Gentian and its cultivation (Gentiana sino-ornata)

Today we are talking about a plant that tolerates light shade. It is not suitable for walled north orientations on the south side that does not reach even a ray of sunlight. We must choose a somewhat shady place under trees that give dappled shade, for example. It is a flower of great beauty and color, even without the excessive presence of the sun. We focus on the Gentian or Gentiana sino-ornata and its care for the rockery or shady garden. 

GENTIAN, DEEP BLUE FLOWERS EVEN IN SHADY PLACES

Sometimes, there are gardens or parts of the garden that are excessively shaded by a wall, facade, tree or any element that prevents the light from reaching all its intensity. In these cases, the gardener must be careful with the plants he chooses and must choose those that tolerate the shade in order to develop.

The genus Gentiana is very extensive. Around 400 species make up this group. It is not a well-known flower because the vast majority of species have the reputation of being a real challenge for the gardener because its growth is not easy. Within gentians, as they are commonly known, there are varieties more tolerant of the beginning gardener. Of the 400 species, not all had to be complicated. One of them is Gentiana sino-ornata .

This plant has been chosen by many gardeners for the intense blue of its flowers and the good results it gives. It is one of the exceptions that confirms the rule that gentians have complicated growths. Really care Gentiana sino-ornata are few and garden shaded areas the results are obvious. The blue that the flowers have is so intense that they will ask you more than once. It is very common to grow it in a rockery garden . It thrives there.

RECOMMENDED SOIL AND CLIMATE FOR ITS CULTIVATION

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF THE GENTIAN

It is not a plant with excessive heat. We are choosing it for its tolerance of gloomy environments. Its winter resistance to temperatures is exemplary. Supports up to -20ºC. We will hardly reach these minimums in Spain in almost any point of the peninsula in a normal year, so its resistance to cold is more than assured.

TYPE OF SOIL REQUIRED

It requires a rich, fertile and humid soil . With a good content of organic matter. The pH should be slightly acidic. The moisture retention should be good but we can not let puddle. We are facing a type of typical forest floor.

GENTIAN MULTIPLICATION

The most common is by division during the spring or late, early summer. It can also be done by seed. In this case, the sowing is done in autumn in the seedbed (it does not have to be a warm bed). The substrate must be a very mature germination mulch or compost to ensure good hatching. The plant will germinate in spring.

CAN YOU GROW GENTIAN IN A POT?

Of course. Outdoor pots with the aforementioned substrate or even some gravel look especially good. It is a very bushy plant that covers the entire surface of the pot giving that spectacular blue color.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *