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Gentiana cruciata Blue Cross

Gentian

Rosettes of spoon-shaped leaves intersect to form a cross or star-shape, hence the common name. Glossy, green leaves clasp the stem to form a spoon for the bell-shaped blooms of dark blue with icy-blue hints of colour at the rim of each bell.

  • »  Bell-shaped flowers are dark blue in colour
  • »  Hints of icy blue at the rim of each bell
  • »  Blooms appear up and down the stems at the nodes
  • »  Narrow, thick, glossy, spoon-shaped leaves intersect to resemble a cross
  • »  Plant in the rock garden or in mixed containers
  • »  Compact, durable habit
  • »  More drought tolerant than other species of gentiana
  • »  Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall

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Exposure
• Partial Sun/Shade
Soil Moisture
• Moist to Average
• Average to Dry Soils
• Well-drained
Attracts Wildlife
• Attracts Butterflies
• Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate
• Medium
Critter
• Deer Resistant
Attributes
• Long Blooming
Flowering Time
• Summer
• Lt. Sum-Fall
Habit
• Clumping
• Compact
Foliage Color
• Green (dark)
Landscape uses
• Border/edging
• Rock garden
• Woodland/woods edge
Planting instructions
• Container Plants
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Gentiana cruciata 'Blue Cross'

Grows best in an average to moist, acidic, well-drained soil, in partial shade and where it will be protected from the hot, afternoon sun. Winter wet sites may result in root rot. Primarily grown in alpine habitats where summers are cool and damp. Gentiana cruciata cultivars are generally more tolerant of dry periods than others in the genus.