Gentian Blue Cross

Note: Each live plant is unique and may differ from the photo while maintaining its beauty. Plants come in a plastic pot; other items in images are not included.

Landscape Qualities

Blue Cross Gentian is an herbaceous perennial with a mounded form. Its medium texture blends into the garden | but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

Ornamental Qualities

Blue Cross Gentian features dainty clusters of blue tubular flowers with violet overtones along the stems from mid summer to early fall that fade to lavender over time. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its narrow leaves remain dark green in color throughout the season.

Planting and Growing

Blue Cross Gentian will grow to be about 10 inches tall at maturity | with a spread of 10 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a medium rate | and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years. As an herbaceous perennial | this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter | and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil | and will often die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil type | but has a definite preference for acidic soils | and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution | therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided | and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone over the growing season to conserve soil moisture. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

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