Gentiana cruciata 'Blue Cross'

Common Name: Cross Gentian

This Gentian sets itself apart from the species by its intense blue violet flowers on compact, durable, drought resistant plants.

From midsummer into early fall, clusters of small, 4-petaled flowers open and bloom at the nodes. At each node, the spoon-shaped leaves meet at angles to form a cross, thus the name Cross Gentian.

This perennial looks great in rock gardens and also makes a nice cut flower.

Height:

10.0 Inches

Spread:

10.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7

Flower Color:

Purple-blue shades Blue shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Midsummer Late Summer Early Fall Long Blooming

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Growth Rate:

Slow Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Eclectic Rock Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Flower Drought Tolerant

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Gentians tend to grow best in cooler zones with mild summers. This variety is an alpine type, so it grows well in rock gardens sited in full sun to part shade. It is a durable, drought resistant plant once established. Plant it in well-drained, light soil with low to average moisture. If the soil stays wet, especially in winter, the plant may rot.

Characteristics

Height:

10.0 Inches

Spread:

10.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7

Flower Color:

Purple-blue shades Blue shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Midsummer Late Summer Early Fall Long Blooming

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Growth Rate:

Slow Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Eclectic Rock Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Flower Drought Tolerant

Origin:

Not Native to North America