Gentiana Species, Spring Gentian
Gentianaverna

Family: Gentianaceae (jen-shun-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Gentiana (jen-shee-AN-uh)
Species: verna (VER-nuh)

Synonym:Gentiana acutiflora

Synonym:Gentiana aestiva

Synonym:Gentiana arctica

Synonym:Gentiana magellensis

Synonym:Gentianusa verna

Category
Alpines and Rock Gardens

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage
Smooth

Foliage Color

Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)

Spacing
3-6 in. (7-15 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger

Bloom Color
Dark Blue

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
From herbaceous stem cuttings
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors

Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds