stemless gentian
Gentiana acaulis
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones3 to 7
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size3 to 6 inches tall3 to 9 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Deep blue
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Stemless gentian (Gentiana acaulis) is a perennial for rock gardens, containers, borders, and ground cover. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist soil of most types. Deep blue flowers open in early to late spring and again in early to late summer, and bees visit them. Rabbits tend to nibble other plants first. The evergreen foliage stays green in winter, and the clumps grow slowly.
Pairs well with Nodding onion, Mugo pine, and Big Daddy hosta.
Native range
Europe and NW. Balkan Pen..