Showy Gentian
Gentianadecora

Family: Gentianaceae (jen-shun-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Gentiana (jen-shee-AN-uh)
Species: decora (DEK-or-uh)

Synonym:Dasystephana decora

Category
Perennials

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

Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Partial to Full Shade

Foliage
Herbaceous
Smooth

Foliage Color

Height
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)

Spacing
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)

Hardiness
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)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger

Bloom Color
Light Blue
Lavender
White/Near White

Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall

Other details

Soil pH requirements
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)

Patent Information

Propagation Methods
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
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored