Gentiana purpurea

Purple gentian is rarely encountered in gardens or commerce as it requires cool conditions and can be quite tricky to germinate - we are thrilled to offer it! It is closely related to yellow gentian, but has velvety purple-brown flowers and slightly shorter stems.

This lime-loving mountain denizen is best grown in rich, moist but-well drained sandy loam in full sun to part shade. This is a slow-grower that may take many years to come into flower. Will not tolerate much humidity, heavy soil, or drought.

Zones: 4 to 8
Family: Gentianaceae
Type: Perennial
Height: 24 to 36 in.
Spread: 12 to 24 in.
Exposure: full sun
Soil Conditions: avoid lime, moist, average
Bloom Time: July to September
Bloom Color: Red-purple
Native Range: Central and Northern Europe