Features of growing gentian. Gentian, planting and care in open ground Gentian when it blooms

Gentiana Gentian, gentiana (gentiana). Plants with large, variedly colored flowers, most often blue, from bright, rich sapphire, turning purple, to pale blue; There are species with pink, white, yellow flowers.

Etymology of the name gentian

The Latin name was given to gentians after the Illyrian king Gentius (2nd century BC), who treated the plague with the rhizomes of yellow gentian. The Russian name gentian came from the very bitter taste of the roots and leaves.

Types and varieties of gentians

There are about 400 species of herbaceous plants in the genus, distributed in temperate and tropical zones on all continents except Africa and Antarctica. More than 90 species of gentians are used in culture. The most commonly grown European species are: alpine gentian (Gentiana alpina), gentian stemless (Gentiana acaulis), spring gentian (Gentiana verna), gentian lastinata (Gentiana asclepiadae), gentian seven-partite (Gentiana septemfida), gentian yellow (Gentiana lutea).

The most common of the low-growing species is gentian stemless (Gentiana acaulis).

Stemless gentian, or Koch's gentian, or stemless gentian (Gentiana acaulis, Ciminalis acaulis, Gentiana excisa, Gentiana kochiana)

Homeland - mountains of Western Europe.

Perennial herbaceous plant up to 10 cm high. Leaves are oval-elongated, green, wintering.

The flowers are large, up to 5 cm long, blue, light blue or white. Blooms in May-June. The species is winter-hardy.

A garden hybrid or related species are often sold by this name: gentian Clouse (Gentiana clusii), Gentian Dinaric (Gentiana dinarica), gentian angustifolia (Gentiana angustifolia) and others from this group are not only very similar to each other, but also quite stable in culture.

These are European species that form a cushion, almost not rising above the ground, of tightly packed rosettes of opposite simple green leaves. Peduncles lengthen during flowering, the flowers are large, blue, tubular. These species bloom in May. They open only in the sun.

Less common species from a group of related spring gentian (Gentiana verna). The pillow of these types is similar to the previous types, only the leaves are wider. First to bloom angular gentian (Gentiana angulosa), then - gentian oshtenskaya (Gentiana oschtenica), and then spring gentian.

The European spring gentian has blue flowers, the Caucasian angular gentian has dark blue flowers, and the Oshten gentian has pale yellow flowers.

Spring gentian, spring gentian(Gentiana verna)

Homeland - Siberia, Altai, Transcarpathia, mountains of Western Europe.

Perennial herbaceous plant up to 5 cm tall. The flowers are blue, less often white, solitary, located at the top of the stem. Blooms in June. The species is winter-hardy.

Summer-flowering gentian species

Summer-flowering gentians are not as bright as spring ones, but taller. In mid-July it opens its flowers gentian sevenpartite (Gentiana septemfida).

Gentiana septemfida

In nature, it lives in the mountains of Europe, and its varieties are also found in the Caucasus. In culture since 1804.

A perennial plant about 30 cm tall, with numerous erect stems densely covered with small, lanceolate, sessile leaves. The flowers are blue, up to 4 cm long, with many dark and light streaks and dots in the throat. It blooms from the second half of June, for a month and a half.

The species is winter-hardy.

Gentian laminata, gentiana laminata (G entiana asclepiadea)

Homeland - light forests and mountain meadows of Southern Europe.

Cluster-root perennial. The stems are lodging and erect, 30-35 cm long, leafy. The leaves are oblong, 10-12 cm. The inflorescences are racemose, the flowers are bright blue. Blooms in July-August.

Gentian cross-leaved, Gentian cross-leaved (G entiana cruciata)

Homeland - mountain meadows of Europe, the Caucasus, Western Siberia.

The rhizome is thick. The stems are straight, 20-50 cm high and up to 3 cm in diameter, with remnants of last year's leaves at the base. The leaves are in a rosette, oval-lanceolate, up to 8 cm long and 2.5 cm wide, fused in pairs into a long sheath.

The flowers are blue, arranged in whorls of 4-6 pieces. in the axils of the upper leaves. Blooms in July-August.

Yellow gentian, yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea)

The tallest representative of the genus, reaching a height of 150 cm with a thick and short rhizome. The leaves are opposite, entire, broadly ovate in shape. The flowers are large, up to 2.5 cm long, yellow, collected in bunches and sit in the axils of the leaves at the top of the stems.

Blooms in July-August. Propagated by seeds (sowing immediately after harvesting), dividing bushes (in spring or early autumn), and also by cuttings.

Gentian care

Gentians need a lot of light, coolness, and moisture in the soil.

Under the crowns of deciduous trees, gentians will grow, but either not bloom at all or with single flowers. Full shade is excluded for these species.

Possible problems when growing gentians:

Cushion gentians are one of the healthiest plants; when they are planted correctly, they do not get sick.

When soaked, the bases of the bushes may rot.

Gentian propagation

From overgrown clumps of stemless and spring gentians, you can separate rosettes with underground stolons, which usually already have small roots. It is better to do this in the spring, after flowering. The planted pieces need to be provided with high humidity and shading. It is better to propagate Gentians septatividum and astonishing by seeds.

Gentian (Gentiana) was known for its beneficial properties back in the 2nd century. BC e. Then the king of Illyria, Gentius, used the roots of yellow gentian to treat the plague. Modern varieties of gentian grow well in open ground and delight gardeners with lush flowering in spring and autumn. This article contains information about planting and properly growing gentian. Miniature plants will delight you with bright flowers for a long time in a rock garden or rock garden, provided proper care is provided. Propagating gentians yourself can be a bit of a hassle, but the plants are so beautiful (can be seen in the photo) that they are worth placing in the garden.

Gentian: varieties and varieties

Among the Gentian family, one can count up to 400 species and varieties of perennial herbs, subshrubs and shrubs. Annual species of gentian are less common. Plants reach a height of 10 cm to 1.5 meters. Gentian stems are straight with opposite, whole leaves. The flowers are bell-shaped or funnel-shaped; different varieties are painted in blue, lilac, blue, white tones; varieties with yellow flowers are less common.

Gentian flowers are most often deep blue.

The traditional color of gentian is a piercing blue color, of such purity and brightness that you cannot take your eyes off the flowers, even in photographs, for a long time. Gentian flowering can begin in early spring, summer or autumn - it depends on the type of plant.

The beneficial properties of gentian were noticed in ancient times; healers of different times successfully used this plant in medical practice. The natural habitat of gentians is quite wide: the mountains of the Far East, the Caucasus, Altai, Western Europe, Siberia and Transbaikalia.

Low gentian is very popular among landscape designers for creating compositions

Low varieties of gentian, when grown in open ground, are very popular for planting in rock gardens, rocky hills and rockeries.

Planting gentian

Gentian is not often found in hobbyist gardens. When grown, this plant requires compliance with certain conditions. Taking into account the different growing conditions of the species, for a certain variety of gentian it is necessary to ideally select a suitable location in the garden: sunny or shaded. In practice, plants are placed in light partial shade or in a site with a western orientation. Planting plants taking into account the agricultural technology of the crop guarantees the successful cultivation of ornamental flowers.

Plant care

Some types of gentian do not tolerate dry soil and dry air, so these plants need to be provided with a place with high air humidity. In this case, it is ideal to place plants near fountains, ponds or pools.

Gentian feels great near bodies of water

Plants require individual care when grown in open ground, depending on the species. But all the efforts of the gardener will be justified as soon as the piercing blue flowers open.

Advice! Planting soil requires the inclusion of gravel or pebbles for better drainage.

Gentian roots do not tolerate stagnant water. In addition, some plants feel depressed with high lime content in the soil, and some species require acidic soils.

The plant requires regular watering

Caring for gentian includes systematic watering during the period of plant growth and development, loosening the soil, removing weeds and applying fertilizer.

Advice! When watering gentians with hard water, the plants develop poorly and are reluctant to bloom.

Some types of plants require watering with specially acidified water. Improper care of gentian can cause disease and death of the plant.

Fertilizer and feeding of gentian

Gentian responds well to the application of organic fertilizers, especially rotted manure. When planting, it is useful to add bone meal or ash under the roots of the plant. When growing gentians, you can use long-acting complex mineral fertilizers in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations for dosage and timing of application.

Gentian can be fed with both mineral and organic fertilizers

Gentian propagation

Gentian propagation is carried out vegetatively: by cuttings, separated by layering, dividing the bush or by seeds.
Considering that the plant tolerates transplantation very painfully, propagation by vegetative means is carried out with caution; you especially need to monitor the roots when dividing the bush. The plant does not tolerate damage to tap roots.

The safest method of propagation for a plant is cuttings.

Seed propagation is carried out directly into the ground. Before sowing seeds, you should carefully dig up the beds and sift the soil.

Advice! Sowing is done before winter, the seeds are lightly covered with soil.

When cutting gentian, it is advisable to use powerful, straight shoots.

Diseases and pests

Pests rarely visit gentian bushes. Occasionally, the plant is harmed by naked slugs, which can be collected by hand. Thrips and ants, which can also harm gentians in open ground, are destroyed with systemic drugs.

Fungal diseases often develop on plants: gray mold, gentian rust, spotting, root collar rot. To prevent diseases, it is necessary to strictly follow agrotechnical practices for caring for plants. Treatment: treatment with fungicides.

Gentian: combination with other plants

Cushion-shaped gentians form excellent combinations with low-growing plants for rockeries: perennial edelweiss, iberis, primrose, small-bulbous plants. Tall varieties of gentian in combination with rhododendrons and heathers form elegant compositions. In landscape design, gentians are used to decorate pools, ponds, fountains and waterfalls. Therefore, bright flowers fit perfectly into compositions with cereals, variegated hostas, and low-growing ferns.

Gentians in landscape design

Gentian in landscape design

All types of gentians are in demand in landscape design: stemless forms and tall bushes that bloom in spring, summer or autumn. The ideal blue tone of gentian flowers is so bright and eye-catching that the plant is used in compositions to highlight white and yellow companion flowers. Gentian is often used in solitary plantings, when edging paths, and for planting in flower beds and garden beds. It is impossible to imagine the landscape design of rocky hills and gardens without bright gentian islands.

Gentian varieties: video

Varieties of gentian: photo

When you mention gentian, the image of a delicate sky-blue flower immediately appears before your eyes, which stands out as a bright spot against the backdrop of rocky mountains. Nevertheless, gentian can be found on almost all continents, and it grows in any area, be it desert, dense forest or tundra. The Greek name for the genus Gentiana gave the plant another name - gentiana.

Gentian (Gentiana) amazes with its variety of species and ornamental varieties. The Gentian genus (Gentianaceae family) contains about 420 species of annual and perennial plants. The stem of gentian can be only 5 cm tall, and the miniature plant may not even be noticed among the dense grass. Some species reach 2 m in height and look more like tropical trees.

Some varieties of gentian are classified as primroses, while others bloom in late autumn, when the first frosts appear and snow falls. Flowering is long, but each individual flower lives only 7 days. The petals close at dusk or in cloudy weather, but with the appearance of the first rays of the sun they again delight the eye with their beauty. In pictures, gentiana can often be confused with nightshade gentian because of the similarity of the flower, but they belong to completely different families. Gentian can grow either as a vertical bush or spread as a dense carpet. Gentian leaves are entire and opposite. The crop is propagated by seeds, cuttings and dividing the bush.

The gentiana flower delights with its beauty. It has absorbed the entire palette of shades of blue, from bright sapphire, turning into purple, to soft blue. Also found in nature are species with colorful yellow, red, pink and white flowers. The aroma of the flower is almost imperceptible, so this crop is not used in perfumery.

Gentian species

Gentiana is often grown to decorate rocky gardens, flower beds, and for cutting. About 100 species are used for breeding. Initially, gentiana was cultivated for medicinal use, but over time, having properly appreciated the beauty of this unusual plant, they began to grow it as an ornamental perennial. The most popular types of gentiana are the following:

1. Gentiana septemfida. It is one of the most easy-to-care species, native to Asia. The bush-like plant reaches 30 cm in height. Flowers with a diameter of 5-7 cm are purple-blue. Excellent for garden growing.
2. Gentian (Gentiana asclepiadea). Tall (about 60-65 cm in height), profusely flowering plant. It has a dense bush and forms more than 10 young shoots in one season. A strong and thick root takes up a large amount of space around the plant to feed the bush. The flowers of the gentian are predominantly blue, but in the photo you can also see rare specimens of snow-white color. They are shaped like a bell with five petals. Blooms in August or September.
3. Gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthe). The popular name is sea bells. A perennial, medium-sized plant, 60-65 cm high, with few leafy shoots. Blooms in August with large blue flowers. Widely used in folk medicine due to its healing properties.
4. Gentiana triflora (Gentiana triflora). Herbaceous perennial 30-40 cm tall. In nature, it is found in swamps, marshy meadows, and rocky slopes. The flowers are large (about 7 cm in diameter), goblet-shaped, bright blue.
5. Dahurian gentian (Gentiana dahurica). It has an ascending stem up to 40 cm long. Daurian gentian blooms in the second half of summer; the flowers are dark blue and large. This species has been cultivated since 1815. Well suited as an ornamental plant for garden plots, grown for cutting. In its wild form, Dahurian gentian can be found in Dauria, Tibet and Mongolia.
6. Koch's gentian (Gentiana acaulis). In gardening it is better known as stemless gentian. A miniature large-leaved perennial (up to 10 cm tall), which blooms in mid-late spring. In the wild, stemless gentian can be seen in the mountains of Western Europe. It blooms with large bright blue, white and pink flowers that do not exceed 6 cm in diameter. The plant is very popular among landscape designers. Mountain gentian is often used to decorate rocky gardens.
7. Chinese ornate gentian (Gentiana sino-ornata) is grown everywhere in Russia. It is the last of the gentians to bloom. Flowering begins in September and continues until the end of December. Even cold weather and the first snows do not frighten the Chinese ornate gentian. Its pale blue flower is visible as a bright spot against a white background. The height of an adult plant reaches 15 cm.
8. Gentian (Gentiana scabra). Grows in Asia and the Russian Far East. A perennial with several medium-sized stems and a cord-like rhizome. Flowers with a cornflower blue five-petalled corolla.
9. Cross gentian (Gentiana cruciata). Other names: gentian cruciform, cross-leaved. Perennial herbaceous plant up to 50 cm in height. It has single, densely leafed stems and elongated leaves. The inside of the flower is turquoise and the outside is grey-green.

Hybrid varieties of gentians are often used to decorate garden plots. Most of these ornamental varieties were specially bred by breeders, but there are also those that appeared by crossing in nature. The following gentian hybrid varieties are grown in our country:

• Nikita - has many medium-sized azure-blue flowers.
• Bernardi - blooms in August, flowers are partially tubular, dark azure in color.
• Blue Emperor is a low-growing variety with ultramarine-colored flowers.
• Dark blue is a bright ultramarine color of flowers with dark stripes inside. Dark blue gentian blooms in August-October.
• Elizabeth Brand - the variety has an elongated flower shape (5 cm long), the color is azure. The stems are short and brownish in color.
• Farorna is an unpretentious variety of pale blue color with a creamy white corolla.
• Gloriosa is a variety bred in Switzerland; its peculiarity is the wide shape of a bright blue flower with a snow-white throat.

Planting and care

Gentian is a very hardy plant that in nature can adapt to any terrain conditions. In culture, it behaves more capriciously, requiring careful selection of the planting site. There is an opinion among gardeners that gentian in open ground should be grown in an intensely lit place, but this is not entirely true. The choice of planting site should be based on the natural range of each species. Among gentians there are many species that prefer shaded areas. Some species take root only where the sun's rays do not fall under the dense crown of trees.

Gentian needs constant moderate watering, which is worth considering when planting on alpine hills. The abundance of sunlight and dry soil of the rock garden are not suitable for most species that bloom in the spring and autumn.

Since in nature gentiana prefers rocky soil, when planting in a hole you should add a little gravel. The soil should be nutritious and well drained. Preferences for soil composition depend on the species.

The plant is planted in open ground in April or September. The holes must be dug at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other. The depth of the hole should be three times the depth of the earthen ball around the root of the plant. Large drainage is placed in each hole to avoid stagnation of water. After planting, the plant needs to be watered abundantly. Judging by the reviews of experienced gardeners, gentiana should be fertilized with a reduced dose of mineral fertilizers.

Useful properties of gentian

Ancient Egyptian healers began to use gentian extract and infusion to treat various diseases. The plant was used as an anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antitussive and tonic.

Most types of gentian contain medicinal substances, which is why they are widely used in folk medicine. The healing effect of gentiana is primarily due to the presence of bitter substances - glycosides, which are used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Also, these substances have a pronounced antispasmodic effect. Official medicine often uses gentian in combination with elderberry, sorrel and verbena to make antiviral drugs.

Gentian roots contain large amounts of gentiopicrin, amarogentin and several types of alkaloids. These substances help fight cough, fever and insomnia. In addition to the listed substances, gentian root contains pectins, ascorbic acid, inulin and resinous substances. Contraindications for the use of gentian include pregnancy, lactation, hypertension, and ulcers.

To prepare the decoction you need 1 tbsp. l. Add dried and ground gentian roots to 250 ml of water and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. The resulting drug must be filtered and taken 1 tbsp. l. 30 minutes before meals 3 times a day. Indications for use of the decoction are colds, gastritis, decreased appetite, bloating, constipation.

Gentians (Gentiana) – very diverse plants, striking in the color of their large flowers. The diversity of gentian can surprise even experienced gardeners. Gentian is a group of annual and perennial plants belonging to the Gentian family. About 400 species of this plant are known throughout the world. Many species are native to Asia. Gentian is common on all continents except Antarctica and Africa. More than 90 of its species are used in culture. In this article you will become familiar with the most popular types of gentian and them detailed description.

Annual species of gentian

Annual gentian species are surprisingly hardy plants. The best representatives are bearded gentian and gentian splayed. However, annual gentians are rare in garden design.

bearded

Bearded gentian is an annual herbaceous plant. The stems are erect, 6-60 cm in height, with thin adventitious roots that resemble a beard. Large flowers "bells" of blue-violet color. The plant blooms in July - August. Grows in meadows, forest edges, and wetlands.

The aerial parts of the plant (leaves and flowers) are used in Tibetan folk medicine. Medicinal herbs are used for inflammation of the liver, spleen, for the treatment of biliary diseases, complications of pneumonia, acute renal failure, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as various infectious diseases.

Bearded gentian flowers are one of the main components of the complex preparation, used for dry cough, atherosclerosis, diseases of the nervous system, tachycardia, pneumonia, rheumatic diseases, gout. The effectiveness of a decoction or dry extract of bearded gentian for acute liver failure has been experimentally confirmed.

Spread

Spreading gentian grows up to 15 cm, has a basal rosette of leaves, and one or two pairs of leaves per stem. This annual plant blooms from June to September, but sometimes the flowers on the bushes last until the end of November. Seeds germinate in spring or autumn. Seeds are also capable of remaining dormant for several years. Spreading gentian is widespread in rural areas of northern and northwestern Europe. In the climatic conditions of other regions, this type of gentian is vulnerable and rare. Gentian splayed is one of the priority species of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

Perennial species of gentian

Perennial gentian species are one of the most original summer flowering crops. Very hardy and completely winter-hardy, therefore they are most in demand in garden design. The most popular representatives of perennial flowers are spring gentian, Daurian, yellow, Chinese decorated, kokha, klusi, large-leaved, large-flowered, lush, ternifolia, trifloral, narrow-leaved, rough and others.

Perennial gentians have a long history of use in both Asian and Western folk medicine. In the West, yellow gentian is distinguished for its medicinal value, and koha, spring and others are used in cultivation. On the contrary, in folk medicine of Asia (China), other types of perennial gentian are popular: large-leaved and rough.

Spring

The stems of spring gentian are the shortest among all species: the length is only a few centimeters.The peduncle does not grow more than 3 cm. However, the plant compensates for this deficiency with beautiful and bright flowers of a deep blue color. In the case of spring gentian, the period when the plant blooms is in late spring and early summer (May-June).

Spring gentian is common in Central Europe. Its natural environment is limestone, grows in sunny alpine meadows, ideal for alpine landscapes. Alternatively, you can try incorporating this plant into your garden or patio. The soil before planting should be moist, well-drained and enriched with humus. It is advisable to plant spring gentian in partial shade, but it can also be planted in full sun. In areas where summers are hot and dry, the plant will need protection from the sun.

Did you know?For centuries, gentian has been considered an almost magical plant. According to ancient legend, if a person brings spring gentian into the house, he risks being struck by lightning.

Daurskaya

The height of the Dahurian gentian stem is 15 -30 cm. The tubular purple-blue flowers open in August. The habitats of this perennial are: grassy slopes, roadsides, sandy areas and dry steppes. Natural range: East Asia (Mongolia, China). As they grow, the stems fall to the ground, creating a wide, bright green grass clearing. When grown between other plants, Dahurian gentian grows more vertically. In cold regions, it is advisable to grow this perennial in the sun - the plant will feel better than in partial shade.

Important! Daurian gentianIt is hardy and has excellent winter hardiness. Therefore, eIf this is your first time planting gentian, choose this species.

Yellow gentian is a large, durable, perennial herb. The plant is also called Gentian major or Gentian officinalis. Life expectancy can reach 50 years, but the first flowering will have to wait about ten years. RThe size of yellow gentian reaches 1.50 m.

The leaves are ribbed and wrap around the trunk of the plant. Large yellow flowers are densely clustered at the base of the leaves. Flowering period: June-August. Gentian root is harvested between May and October. Currently, the plant lives on various European mountain ranges: Southern Europe, the Alps. The grass can be found at an altitude of 2500 meters above sea level.

Important!During the yellow gentian harvest period, you should be very careful: this medicinal herb can be confused withwhite hellebore -a very poisonous plant. They can be distinguished by the structure of their leaves:gentian leaves grow in pairs at the base of the stem, andHellebore leaves always grow in threes and are unevenly spaced.

This medicinal plant is traditionally used for various digestive disorders. Yellow gentian stimulates appetite, fights diarrhea, is used as an antiseptic, and is also a general tonic (relieves fatigue). The plant is used in the form of herbal tea. Rhizomes and roots are used in herbal medicine.

This perennial herb is widely distributed in China, mainly in the northeastern part. Harvest occurs in autumn. Gentian flowers are yellowish-brown in color. The roots are rough. The herb has a mild odor and bitter taste.

Chinese gentian is indicated for use in the following diseases: for oral ulcers, sore throat, skin diseases, Gospel disease (jaundice), liver and gallbladder diseases, headaches and dizziness, and also as an antidepressant. Chinese gentian in folk medicine is usually used in the form of a decoction or tincture. The decoction is taken orally or used externally.

Koha (stemless gentian) is another variety of perennial gentian. The peculiarity of this species is that the plant does not have a stem and is located very close to the ground. The plant is quite low (only 5-10 cm in height). The leaves are collected together in a basal rosette. The edge of the leaf is smooth. Single flowers have a bluish-blue tint. The Koch flower tends to close in rainy weather.

The plant is common in the mountains of Europe (in the Alps). The flowering period lasts from May to August (depending on location). This type of gentian is classified as an ornamental plant. Propagated by seeds and vegetatively. Photophilous.

Gentian clushi is a perennial herbaceous plant with large flowers and a short peduncle, externally very similar to gentian kocha. Height 8-10 cm. Distributed in Europe (in the Pyrenees mountains, the Alps, Apennines and Carpathians). Preferred habitats are limestone and rocky rocks. Seeds can be sown at any time of the year, but it is best to do so in winter or early spring to take advantage of the cold spell. The benefit comes from moist compost. Therefore, we recommend covering the seeds with a thin layer of sand.

Did you know? Gentian clussi is named after Charles Clusius (Charles de Lecluse), one of the largest and most important European botanists of the 16th century.

large-leaved

Gentian macrophylla is a tall, attractive perennial plant native to the mountainous regions of central and southern Europe. This perennial has a tall single stem and long and large leaves. The color of the leaves is bluish-green. The plant grows up to 140 cm.

At the beginning of autumn, the root of large-leaved gentian is dug up and dried. Root extracts have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. For medical purposes Gentian macrophylla is used for treatment digestive problems such as loss of appetite and flatulence (bloating). In addition, the plant is used as A general tonic and strengthening agent.

Grandiflora

Gentian grandiflora is a strikingly beautiful herbaceous plant. The flowers of this species are much larger than the plant itself. The height of the perennial is 4-5 cm. Stems are solitary. The calyx is bell-shaped and dark violet-blue in color. The rhizome is creeping, branched, bearing numerous stems. The flowering period is from June to August. Large-flowered gentian is widespread in Central Asia. The plant can be found in high mountain meadows and rocky areas. In Tibetan medicine it is used for infectious and vascular diseases, and also as a tonic.

Curvy

Gentian lush is one of the smallest species of the Gentian family; The height of the plant is no more than seven centimeters. The leaves are narrow and subulate. The flowers are solitary, large, funnel-shaped, pale blue, white at the base. This species can also be distinguished by the darkening in the middle of the bell-shaped flower. It is found in alpine meadows at an altitude of 3200-4500 meters above sea level. Widely distributed in China (Yunnan province, Lijiang city). Lush gentian blooms from June to September.

Ternifolia

Ternifolia is a herbaceous perennial, relatively compact variety with pale blue flowers. The height of the perennial is 4-10 cm. The stems are ascending, simple. The basal rosette of leaves is poorly developed; leaf blades are triangular, sharp. The foliage is pale green. Flowers are solitary, sessile. The corolla is light blue with dark blue stripes, tubular-bell-shaped, funnel-shaped, 4-6 cm in height.

The flowering season is in autumn. The plant comes from rocky areas of Asia. Still widely cultivated in China. Planting seeds of this gentian is recommended in full sun in acidic soil with plenty of moisture.

Three-flowered

Three-flowered gentian is a tall, flowering, perennial plant. The height of this species can reach up to 120 cm. The habitat is grassy areas, especially along roadsides. The perennial is common in the forests of Asia (China, Mongolia, Korea, Japan). The plant blooms from August to September. During the growing period, gentian triflorum needs moist, well-drained soil. The light should be as intense as possible, the temperature should not be too high, and atmospheric humidity should be minimal.

Trifloral gentian has antibacterial properties. The roots of the plant contain bitter compounds, which are an excellent tonic for the digestive system. The root is also used in the treatment of jaundice, eczema, conjunctivitis, and sore throat. Gentian root is harvested in the fall and dried for later use. Before using this plant for medicinal purposes, you should consult a professional.

Narrow-leaved

Narrow-leaved gentian is the fastest growing gentian variety. It thrives in regular garden soils. To the delight of garden visitors, the plant blooms with magnificent “bells” of deep blue color. Flowering period: May, June. Plant height is 8-10 cm. Over time, this type of gentian forms large grassy mats. Narrow-leaved gentian should be grown in full sun or partial shade. The soil where the perennial grows must be acidic.

Rough

Also called Korean or Japanese gentian, is another perennial species of the Gentian family. The plant is distributed throughout much of the United States and northern Asia (Japan). The flowering time of rough gentian is mid-summer. The plant has more or less erect stems, 30 cm in height. The leaves are oval with jagged edges. Each pair of leaves covers the stem at the base. The calyx is tubular, elongated. The flowers are blue or dark blue. The bitter root of the rough gentian is used in Japanese folk medicine as a tonic. In addition, it treats a number of liver-related diseases.

Flowering gentians are one of the hardiest plants used in ornamental gardening. By growing different varieties of gentian, you can assemble an amazing collection that will bloom in your garden from spring to autumn.

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Gentian (lat. Gentiana) is a perennial, less often annual, herbaceous plant (found in the form of a subshrub or shrub) of the Gentian family. The stems are erect, their height, depending on the species, can vary from 10 cm to 1.5 m. The leaves are oblong in shape with solid edges, sessile, the arrangement is opposite.

Gentians amaze with the cuteness of their inflorescences. During the flowering period, a continuous cloud consisting of large corollas appears above the bush. Most often they are bell-shaped (some are plate-shaped), divided into 4-5 petals. The blue palette looks most impressive: from pale blue to sapphire, luminous; There are varieties with white, pink, yellow, purple flowers.

Amazing variety

The numerous genus includes about 400 species, 90 of which can be found in Russia. In general, they are common in the temperate climate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. The plants are meadow and can be found at altitudes from 1,200 to 5,000 m above sea level.

It is believed that the official (Latin) name of the plant was given in honor of Gentius, an Illyrian king who used the rhizome of yellow gentian in the treatment of plague. Due to the presence of glycosides, which give all parts of the plant a bitter taste, gentian received its popular nickname; sometimes it can be found under the name bitter bitterness.

Is it difficult to care for?

This beautiful plant is completely undeservedly ignored by many gardeners. The reason is the widespread opinion that it is demanding in care; it is also believed that the plant in the middle zone does not overwinter in open ground. It's still wintering. And caring for them is no more troublesome than caring for the popular dahlias or gladioli.

Among the variety, you can choose plants to decorate any area: some grow well in the shade, others - in semi-shaded or sunny areas; most grow well in soils with a neutral reaction, there are species that prefer acidic or alkaline soil reactions; As “mountain dwellers,” some varieties of gentian grow well on rocky soil.

You should take a closer look at individual types of gentian, find out their characteristics, and then, the apparent disadvantages, turn into advantages.

When does gentian bloom?

Gentian has a long flowering period (3-4 months). The beginning of flowering depends on the variety. You can plant several types of gentian on your site and enjoy flowering from spring to late autumn.

Growing gentian from seeds

The shelf life of gentian is from 6 to 12 months. They should be stored in a paper bag in a place where it is warm, dark and dry. Under such conditions, they are at rest, but their vital activity continues. Storage at low air temperatures significantly reduces seed activity.

Sowing in the ground

Gentian seeds are sown in open ground before winter or seedlings are grown. When sown in winter, the seeds do not require pre-treatment. Dig up the area, spread the seeds over the surface and cover with a rake. The seedlings will easily tolerate low spring temperatures, but they will need to be shaded from direct sunlight. Maintain optimal soil moisture throughout the season. By autumn, a rosette of leaves will form.

How to grow gentian from seeds for seedlings at home

To grow gentian in seedlings, the seeds must be prepared. They are very small; stratification is necessary to ensure germination. For 1-3 months, keep in moderately humid conditions at an air temperature of 7°C, ventilation must be provided. To do this, mix the seeds with granulated peat or fine sand in a ratio of 1 to 3. The stratification period is determined experimentally: for some, 1 month is enough, for high-mountain plants, at least 2 are required.

Then proceed to . It is best to use ceramic containers. Soil: mix universal substrate for seedlings with coarse sand in a 1 to 1 ratio.

• Distribute the seeds sparsely over the soil surface, spray with a fine spray, cover with film or glass, maintain the air temperature at 20 °C.
• The germination process takes 12-20 days. Ventilate the crops regularly to remove condensation.
• When sprouts appear, remove the cover, provide diffused lighting and air temperature within 14-18 °C. When the sprouts are strong enough to form a pair of true leaves, plant them in separate containers, deepening down to the cotyledon leaves.
• Transplant into open ground at the end of April-beginning of May using the method of transferring an earthen clod.

Vegetative propagation of gentian

Rhizome division

Gentian species that form a continuous covering are easily propagated by dividing the rhizome. The procedure is carried out in spring or autumn. Dig up a bush, divide it into several parts (each section should contain part of the rhizome and growing points), try to keep the earthen lump intact. Plant in holes, water well, keep a distance of about 25 cm between individual plants.

Propagation by cuttings

Propagation by cuttings should be carried out at the beginning of the growing season (from spring to early summer). Side shoots (for tall, branching gentians) or main shoots (for short ones they should be broken off at the very root) are used as cuttings. The cutting is deepened into the soil by 1/3, cover the top with a cut plastic bottle or glass jar. The roots will appear in 20-25 days.

Reproduction by layering

The Chinese decorated gentian species can be propagated by layering. In mid-summer, bend the shoot to the ground and secure it in several places with pebbles or piles of earth. In spring they can be separated from the mother plant.

Choosing a site for growing gentian

Perhaps the most important thing in growing gentian is choosing the right site. If all requirements are met, in gratitude you will receive long-lasting lush flowering in piercing blue tones.

Light and humidity

When choosing a place to grow gentian, you should start from the conditions in which the plant lives in its natural environment. As a rule, gentian grows best in light shade. The ideal location would be the western side. You can plant it in the periphery of the crown of a large tree - the scorching rays of the midday sun will not harm the plant.

Despite the fact that gentians are mainly mountain plants, they do not tolerate drought. To prevent the soil from overheating and drying out, plant low-growing grasses nearby - imitation of natural meadow conditions.

The plant is able to adapt to high air humidity: it can be planted near bodies of water.

Priming

As for the soil, it is preferable for the plant to have a small amount of gravel (this ensures water permeability of the soil, protecting it from stagnation of moisture at the roots).

Most types of gentian grow well in neutral soil. Gentian Delexluza and Gentian Dinaric prefer calcareous soils (add a handful of bone meal or ash before planting). For stemless gentian, slightly acidic soil is suitable, for Chinese-decorated gentian - acidic. They should be watered with acidified water (add a few granules of citric acid).

Yellow and spring gentian need nutritious, loose soil.

How to care for gentian in the garden

Caring for gentian is not difficult.

Watering and loosening the soil

For normal growth and development of the plant, moderate regular watering, loosening the soil, removing weeds, and fertilizing will be required.

Stagnation of moisture is detrimental to the plant - add water regularly, but in small portions. It is better to water with softened water (you can place a barrel in the garden to collect rainwater or keep regular tap water in it).

Loosen the soil, especially after heavy rainfall (this will help the excess moisture drain away from the roots more quickly).

Feeding and pruning

The plant does not need frequent feeding; on the contrary, it can be destructive. It is enough to update the mulch layer consisting of peat every year in the spring; depending on the needs of the plant, add bone meal or garden lime. During the flowering period, you can apply a weak dose of complex mineral fertilizer.

To maintain decorativeness, cut off faded inflorescences.

Wintering

Gentians (especially high-mountain species) are cold-resistant; in the middle zone they overwinter without shelter. During long periods without snow, it should be covered with spruce branches.

Diseases and pests

When the area becomes waterlogged, diseases may develop: root rot, spotting, rust, gray mold. Fungicide treatment will be required.

Slugs can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant - they are collected by hand. If infested with thrips or ants, treat with an insecticidal preparation.

Types and varieties of gentian with photos and names

From the huge variety of gentian species, everyone can choose the plant they like.

Gentiana asclepiadea

Gentian cottonweed - the height of the bush is 80 cm, forms a large number of shoots. The leaf blades are oblong-oval in shape. Large (about 5 cm long) bell-shaped corollas are located in the axils of the leaves, 1-3 pieces each.

The colors are dark blue, blue, snow-white and pink. Flowering occurs from June to August. Winter hardiness is high.

Gentiana septemfida

Compact bushes about 30 cm high. Numerous stems stand upright, they are densely covered with oblong petioleless leaf plates. Bell-shaped corollas of dark blue color are collected in a capitate inflorescence. It blooms from mid-June, pleasing for about 1.5 months. Tolerates temperature drops down to -35 °C.

Both of the above species prefer fertile soils and partial shade.

Gentiana pneumonanthe

The graceful stem reaches a height of 25-65 cm and does not branch. Linear sheet plates are arranged oppositely. The length of the corolla-bell is about 5 cm. The flowers are located in the axils of the leaves. Blooms in late summer. In its natural environment it lives in the meadows and plains of Western Europe, Siberia, and the Caucasus. Grow in light, sandy loam soils.

Gentiana ampla

The baby is only 7 cm high. The leaf blades are awl-shaped. The flowers are large, solitary, funnel-shaped. The color is light blue, there are narrow snow-white stripes at the base of the corolla. Blooms all summer.

Gentiana macrophylla

The height of the bush is 10-40 cm. The stems are erect and branch well. The leaf plates are oblong, the basal ones are larger, the higher ones are smaller, most of them are located at the base of the stem. The flowers are bell-shaped and can be blue-violet or pink with stripes of a darker shade. The most lush flowering period occurs in July-August, with individual flowers appearing until the end of October.

Chinese ornate gentian Gentiana sino-ornata

The bushes reach a height of 15 cm and grow 30 cm in width. The leaves are subulate. Gramophone flowers have a smoky blue hue, the base is decorated with stripes of snow-white and pale blue. Flowering occurs in May-August. Acid soil and planting in a sunny area are preferred; gravel should be added when planting in holes.

Arethus gentian Gentiana arethusae var. delicatula

The appearance is similar to the one described above. Palette: from pale to deep lilac. Flowering occurs in August-September.

Gentiana cephalantha

The height of the plant varies between 10-30 cm. The leaf blades are large, long, with pointed ends. The corollas are collected in several pieces at the top of the stem. The color of the corollas is pink-lilac, the edges of the petals are decorated with specks of a contrasting shade. Blooms in September, pleasing for about 2 months.

Yellow gentian Gentiana lutea

The plant is 1.2-1.5 m high. It is grown for its medicinal properties. Prefers to grow in well-lit areas without stagnant moisture, the soil is neutral or slightly acidic.

Gentiana rhodantha

Reaches half a meter in height. The flowers are large, the edges of the petals are thread-like. Frost-resistant crop. Blooms in October.

Gentiana melandriifolia

The height of the plant barely reaches 10 cm. Large corollas of a sky-blue hue are decorated with white specks. Flowering occurs in September-October.

The bush reaches half a meter in height. Corollas of a lilac hue. Blooms from August, delighting until late autumn. Valuable for its medicinal properties.

Gentiana praticola

The maximum height of the bush is 10 cm. The leaf blades are oval in shape, dark green in color with a purple tint. The corollas are pink with dark red stripes at the base, located in the axils of the leaves and on the tips of the shoots. The flowering period occurs in September-October.

Stemless gentian Gentiana acaulis or Koch's gentian Gentiana kochiana

The stems are very short (about 10 cm long). It seems that gramophone flowers (their length is about 5 cm) grow directly from the soil, the color is dark blue, there is a white-flowered form. The flowering period occurs in May-June. Suitable for rocky areas.

The Hohenstein and Rannoch varieties are distinguished by their dark lilac-blue shining colors.

Spring gentian Gentiana verna

Dwarfs, measuring only 5 cm in height. The leaf blades are obovate in shape and are collected in a basal rosette. At the tops of the stems there are single corollas: the tube is short, divided into 6 lobes with rounded edges, blue or white in color. Blooms at the end of May.

Delecluse gentian or Klusi Gentiana clusii

Gentiana Clusi variety Pobole Gentiana clusi ‘Pobole’ photo

Short stems and small oblong leaves are almost invisible: they are hidden by large bell-shaped flowers. Begins to bloom in June. Great for filling spaces between stones.

Gentiana dahurica

Daurian gentian variety Nikita Gentiana dahurica ‘Nikita’ photo

The stems are straight or erect, reaching a height of 40 cm. The basal leaves are long and form dense thickets. There are shorter leaves along the stem. The corollas are bell-shaped, dark blue in color, collected in several pieces in the axils of the leaves and on the tops of the shoots. Suitable for growing in containers, the inflorescences last a long time after cutting. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked for a day; they germinate within 21 days at an air temperature of 15-18 °C.

Gentiana dinarica

The single (non-branching) stem is about 5 cm high, ending in a large corolla-bell of bright blue color. Prefers alkaline soils.

Kolakovsky gentian Gentiana kolakovskyi

The stems are 15-30 cm long and extend to the same width. Corollas of a pale blue hue appear in late summer. Reproduction is exclusively by seed (germination is good in the middle zone).

Gentiana grandiflora

The plant is about 10 cm high. Flowers: single bells up to 5 cm long, dark blue or purple in color. The flowering period begins in mid-May and lasts about 1 month. Prefers calcareous soils.

The most notable variety is JP Dark Blue.

Gentiana ciliata

This name is given due to the presence of growths called cilia on the petals. The corolla is large, consists of 4 deeply cut petals, the flowering period occurs in August-October. The height of the bush is about 30 cm. It is preferable to grow in dry areas with an alkaline soil reaction.

Cold gentian Gentiana frigida

A tiny bush 4-10 cm high. The stems are erect; in July, bell-shaped flowers of a yellow-green hue bloom at their tops, the edges of the petals are decorated with blue specks. Requires calcareous, moisture-absorbing soil.

Gentiana punctata is a plant 20-60 cm high. The flowering period is July-August. In the axils of the leaves, bell-shaped corollas of a light yellow hue with purple specks appear. Requires constant humidity, tolerates partial shade, and suits slightly acidic and acidic soils.

Gentiana ternifolia

The shoots are creeping, covered with linear-lanceolate leaf plates. In autumn, funnel-shaped corollas of a sky-blue hue appear, paler inside, decorated with white spots and stripes of a dark blue hue on the outside. Winter hardiness zone 5 (up to -29 °C).

Gentiana triflora

Distributed in the natural environment of Eastern Siberia. The stems are erect, the height is 40-80 cm. The leaves are oblong with pointed tips. Flowering period: August-September. Single corollas or bunches of flowers (3-5 pieces each) appear in the axils of the leaves and on the tops of the stems. The color is dark blue. The winter hardiness zone is similar to the previous type.

Gentiana scabra

The height of the bush is 30-50 cm. The leaves are ovoid, sessile, dark green on top, lighter on the bottom. The flowers are dark blue, may be covered with white spots, and there is a white-flowered form. Blooms throughout July-August.

Gentiana angustifolia

The short stem (length 15-20 cm) ends in a large single corolla of blue color (the white-flowered form has been bred). The flowering period is May-June. Grows well on calcareous clay soils.

Variety Frei - forms a bush in the form of a dense pillow. The flowers are blue or white. Under favorable conditions, repeated autumn flowering is possible.

Gentian in landscape design

The neon glowing color of gentian will become the center of any composition. Gentians are self-sufficient in solo plantings: they are planted in ridges and flower beds, used to frame garden paths; low-growing species are ideally suited for alpine hills and rockeries.

The blue tone of gentian inflorescences is striking and bright; they are often used in compositions with flowers of yellow and white colors.

At the peak of flowering of miniature gentians, the shoots are practically invisible: the inflorescence stems are so closely packed together. They go well with primroses, iberis, edelweiss, and small-bulbous plants.

Tall species with arched or drooping stems look impressive when hanging from a hillock or supporting wall. They are combined with heather and rhododendron.

Species with drooping and arching shoots look beautiful when hanging from a retaining wall or hillock.

When framing an artificial reservoir (pond, pool, fountain) they are combined with variegated hostas, low-growing ferns, and ornamental grasses.

Medicinal properties of gentian

The plant has medicinal properties - gentian is widely used in traditional medicine.

The above-ground part of the plant contains a large amount of glycosides. The decoction is used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and gall bladder; as an adjunct to the treatment of constipation, heartburn, gout, arthritis.

The roots of the plant are saturated with various alkaloids and acids, which have an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic effect, and are used to suppress coughing attacks and various cramps.

Avoid overdose. You can take no more than 35 drops of tincture. Exceeding the norm leads to dizziness and headaches. People suffering from stomach ulcers and high blood pressure should not take medications containing gentian, this also applies to pregnant and breastfeeding women.