The flower is yellow gentian. Blue as the sky. What are gentians and how to grow them. Choosing a place to grow gentian

Perennial, rarely annual, belonging to the gentian family. They grow in temperate and tropical climates, mainly in the Northern Hemisphere. Many types are decorative.

Family: gentian.

Homeland: grow on all continents except Africa and Antarctica.

Rhizome: short, thick.

Stem: short, straight or rising.

Leaves: sessile, opposite.

Fetus: box.

Reproductive ability: propagated by cuttings, dividing the bush, seeds.

Illumination: photophilous or shade-tolerant, depending on the species.

Watering: moderate.

Content temperature: winter-hardy.

Bloom time: spring, summer or autumn, depending on the species, from 3 weeks to 1.5 months.

Gentiana description - from root to flowers

The genus includes about 400 species of perennial and annual herbs and shrubs. Height ranges from 2 cm to 1.5 m. As a rule, all plants have a short stem, straight or ascending, and basal leaves that form a rosette. Leaves sessile, opposite, entire, ovate to oblong-lanceolate. Gentian flowers are solitary, or collected in apical semi-umbrella inflorescences, or located in the axils of the leaves, 1-2 pcs. Peduncles are straight, vertical, ending in large bell-shaped flowers, mostly blue or blue, of a special tone, which is called “gentian”. They can also be purple, lilac, violet, white and even yellow. They consist of 5, less often 4 petals, folded into a bud, between which there are large or small folds with straight, fringed or wavy edges. The fruit is a single-celled capsule with seeds, small, different in shape depending on the species. During normal storage, the seeds quickly lose their germination.

Gentian flower in the photo.

The Latin name, Gentiana, was given to the flower by the name of Gentius, the Illyrian king (180-168 BC), who, according to Pliny, used the plant's juice to treat the plague. The Russian name for the flower, gentian, is given because of the bitter taste inherent in its roots and leaves.

In many countries, they are on the verge of extinction in nature and are protected species, although they are still quite common in Russia.

In decorative floriculture, many types of gentians are used, photos of some of them are presented below.

Some decorative types of gentian are blue and yellow

More than 90 species are used in culture, most often grown in gardens:

Gentian stemless, Koch's gentian (G. acaulis, G. kochiana), one of the most common undersized species, 7 - 10 cm high, with shortened stems ending with one large bright blue flower. The leaves are oval-elliptical, light green, collected in a rosette, eventually forming a dense pillow. Blooms in May-June, grows slowly. There are varieties "Hohenstein", "Rannoch" with large dark lilac-blue flowers.

spring gentian (G. verna), a miniature plant up to 5 cm high, with blue, rarely white single flowers appearing at the ends of the stems in June. It takes root with difficulty in the garden, it is rarely found in culture.

Gentian (G. asclepiadea), with arcuate shoots up to 80 cm high, large blue, dark blue, rarely pink or white flowers, located in the leaf axils of 1-3 pieces, blooming in July - August.

Gentian yellow (G. lutea), the highest species, with a thick taproot and hollow erect stems up to 1.5 m tall. The leaves are bluish-green, oblong-elliptical, opposite, basal - petiolate, up to 30 cm long, stem - short-petiolate, smaller. It blooms in July-August with large yellow flowers collected in 3-10 pieces. on the tops of the stems, in the axils of the upper leaves. Gentian root is used in medicine as a choleretic agent that increases appetite, in the alcoholic beverage and beer industries to give a kind of bitterness to liquors and beer.

Gentian seven-parted (G. septemfida), up to 30 cm high, with erect stems covered with sessile leaves. The flowers are blue, up to 4 cm long, bloom in June, bloom up to 1.5 months.

Gentian Dahurian (G. dahurica), with ascending or straight stems up to 40 cm tall, linear-lanceolate leaves and large dark blue flowers, blooming at the tops and in the axils of the upper leaves in July-August.

Growing and propagating gentian

Growing gentians various kinds has its own characteristics.

In relation to light and humidity, plants are divided into:

shade-tolerant and moisture-loving, grow in the light shade of trees (separate cup, gusset);
light and moisture-loving, enduring light shading, inhabitants of alpine hills (seven-parted, tricolor);
light-loving, drought-resistant, shade-tolerant, for large alpine slides (Daurian, cruciform);
preferring the sun, calcareous soil, drought-resistant (gentian yellow);
photophilous, difficult to care for, require additional watering, limestone mulching (spring, stemless).

Most species can grow on sandy and loamy soils with any acidity. Special requirements for soil reaction in stemless gentian (slightly acidic), Chinese decorated (acidic), Dinaric, Delescluse (calcareous). All species do not tolerate stagnant water and require drainage or planting in rock gardens.

Plants are little affected by diseases and pests, suffer more from mechanical damage, and do not tolerate transplantation well. They are transplanted with a clod of earth, capturing roots from undersized pillows. different types to a depth of 15-20 cm, for tall ones - by 25-30 cm, then water and shade abundantly. When planting with open roots, they cover with a mini-greenhouse, for example, plastic bottle.

Gentian is propagated by dividing bushes, seeds, cuttings and layering.

Division is carried out in spring or early autumn, it is better to use it for species that grow in clumps. Gentians growing in rosettes are preferably propagated by seeds.

Gentian flower in the photo.

With seed reproduction, preliminary stratification is necessary, the terms and conditions for it are different for different species. To obtain a reliable result, it is better to sow in the ground before winter, using. The earth is sifted and leveled, large seeds are lightly sprinkled, small ones are laid out on the surface. The pot is placed in a shady place, provide sufficient snow cover. In May-June, shoots will appear that shade, preventing the soil from drying out. You can take the plantings to the room where they will develop faster. Bloom in the third year.

Gentian Chinese decorated and related Asian species are easily propagated by layering, for which in the middle of summer the shoots are pinned to the soil and sprinkled with earth. By autumn, new plants are formed, which bloom the next year.

Some species are propagated by cuttings. They are harvested from the end of June to the end of August, rooted in a moist substrate, shading and using impromptu greenhouses (a plastic bottle). Rooted in 3 weeks.

Landing and care open ground common types of gentian are actually not too difficult. It is generally accepted that the plant is whimsical, requires some special conditions, but all it needs is a little sun, a little shade, fertile soil and water. decorative application plants in landscape landscapes have long ceased to be limited to rockeries and rock gardens, and its medicinal properties have been known since ancient times.

To plant a gentian in your garden is not just to get an unpretentious plant that pleases with its flowering for a long period, but also to prepare some medicinal raw materials in case of unpleasant winter illnesses. This is a perennial, and, having worked hard at the beginning of the season so that the gentian flower takes root and reveals its beauty, for several years you can quite serenely enjoy its sweet, irresistible charm. Planting and care in the open field will not cause much trouble.

More than 400 species of gentian are known in the world, but about 100 are found in temperate climates. It is traditionally believed that this is a blue flower, but the blue range is so widely represented in the flowering spectrum that one can decorate a huge terrace with this plant alone, never repeating. Contrary to the common misconception about the short stature of gentian, there are also species with a tall, straight, strong stem, so that this plant can decorate a stepped terrace, a figured flower bed or a traditional alpine hill as a whole if you use several different species.

In garden design, several varieties are especially common and will be the easiest to find for planting. The most popular of them is Daurian gentian. She has stems and leaves of intense emerald color, up to 30 cm long, and small blue or indigo flowers are collected in apical inflorescences. It looks especially impressive in bouquets with larger flowers, in which it is used as a decorative element. This does not prevent the use of Daurian gentian in separate compositions intended for delicate and charming presentation to loved ones.

Spring gentian is no less popular. It is the smallest of the plants found in the gentian family, which blooms in spring and blooms on a very short stalk for about 3 weeks. According to the legend, this is exactly the magical plant that the witches collected on Bald Mountain. In a gloomy garden, where there is still no greenery, she especially pleases with her ultramarine flowers, which open in the early morning and close in the late evening.

Gentian stemless, or alpine, is considered the queen of alpine gardens. Her stem reaches 12 cm, but the flower can be 8 cm, blue, white or Pink colour. Lazy beauty lovers plant entire meadows out of it. The name gentian was given to the flower by the characteristic taste that medicines with its inclusion have, and the second name is gentian, after the name of the Illyrian king, who prepared many healing remedies based on it.

A little work, a minimum of conditions

Experts say that fertile soil is not necessary for planting a plant, because in nature it grows on poor soils. The only thing it is demanding on the tap is permanent watering. Some varieties that can be difficult to find reach 1.5 m in height, and from them you can simply plant a natural tall border that will bloom most of the summer. If the gentian is planted in suitable conditions, caring for it will be reduced to watering, loosening the soil, and removing weeds. Watering should be especially careful during the period when the plant is about to bloom or is already blooming. In no case should the soil dry out, but also not stand with frank puddles.

The sunny side is more suitable for growing gentian, but a little shading will not hurt either. It tolerates trees and shrubs, from which a shadow will fall at certain times of the day. It is better to periodically feed the plant with fertilizers, although many do just fine without it, believing that the flower can handle itself. Dosed and complete top dressing only contributes to abundant flowering, the release of buds, and the rich color of the flower.

The perennial is able to winter without shelter, and it can be propagated by cuttings, layering, seeds and dividing the bush. So, having bought gentian seeds once, the rest of the time you can get by with already planted plants, resorting to buying seeds of new species you like. All the chores around a plant that has already been formed will come down to collecting slugs and snails from them that love them, and pruning an already faded inflorescence.

Landing Rules

Landing gentian in open ground is carried out in stages. Gentian seeds are small, poorly germinating, and they themselves peck for a long time. In order to force them to hasten the birth life cycle, stratification is carried out. For this purpose, the seeds are scattered on moist soil in a box with earth, covering it with glass. This is done between January and March, but in a cold place such a box can be stored for up to 2 months. For germination is changing temperature regime, and at 20ºС for 15-20 days the crops are kept under glass, watering and airing. Then the glass is removed, but the previous temperature is left, protecting it from direct sunlight.

The landing itself is quite simple:

holes are dug at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other;
small gravel is poured into the hole;
the plant is planted in a hole with a diameter 3 times larger than the seedling;
abundant watering is carried out;
seedlings remain at the level of garden soil;
planting density of about 20 bushes per sq. m.

You can also plant it for the winter, scattering the seeds in a garden bed with well-sifted and dug up soil. It is better to cover the crops a little, although lazy gardeners prefer not to do this. But it is unlikely that in areas where there are severe frosts in winter, one can count on good germination of uncovered seeds. If reproduction is carried out by dividing the bush, then do this better in spring or in early autumn after abundant watering, leaving a lump of wet earth on the seedling and planting it in a new hole with it.

Gentian, planting and caring for which cause much less problems than common ornamental plants, can also grow in a dry area of \u200b\u200bthe garden or front garden, for this you can plant special varieties such as Tien Shan gentian, speckled or tricolor.

Handy remedy

When planting gentian for decorative purposes, do not forget about her medicinal properties. The plant can serve as a second service if used wisely. Beneficial features Gentian can be successfully used in the therapeutic treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Its use improves appetite, stimulates the evacuation-motor function of the gastrointestinal tract, and significantly stimulates the digestion process. Gentian has excellent painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, it is successfully used for coughs and low blood pressure, in the expulsion of helminths and the fight against fever. Gentian root is used as a remedy for heartburn, dyspeptic disorders, and constipation.

Gentian is actively used as part of herbal teas, helping the other components to fully reveal their healing properties. For constipation, an alcohol tincture from its root and rhubarb root works well, which takes 10 days to prepare. Used for almost 400 years to treat gout and arthritis, a decoction of gentian, dry herb or root, taken for a month.

Having planted a beautiful gentian as ornamental plant, can be improved landscape design, and not just enjoy beautiful flowers for a long time, make a bouquet of them or just admire with pleasure, but also replenish your arsenal of healing medicines.

Family: gentian (Gentianaceae).

Motherland

Gentians grow in highlands and in temperate regions of Eurasia, America and Australia. The highlands of the Crimea, the Caucasus, Asia Minor and Northwestern Iran are considered to be the homeland of the seven-parted gentian.

Form: herbaceous plant.

Description

Gentian is the name of a genus of annual and perennial herbaceous plants. In nature, there are about 400 species, of which in the territory Russian Federation- about 54 species. In culture, 90 species are grown.

(G. septemfida) - a perennial herbaceous plant with a straight, hairless stem about 30 - 40 centimeters high. The stemless leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem and have an ovoid or lanceolate shape. Dark- blue flowers the correct form form corymbose inflorescences on the tops of the shoots. The bell-shaped corolla up to 5 centimeters long consists of petals fused together. The fruit is a capsule with small seeds. It has been cultivated since 1804.

(G. lutea) - perennial up to 150 centimeters high. Numerous flowers up to 2.5 centimeters long yellow color, are located on the tops of the stems and in the axils of the upper leaves. The flowering period is July-August. Winter-hardy without shelter.

(G. pneumonanthe) is a perennial herbaceous plant with erect stems up to 50 centimeters high. Linear or lanceolate-linear leaves up to 7 centimeters long. Gentian pulmonary flowers are bell-shaped, dark blue.

Gentian large-leaved (G. macrophylla) is a perennial plant up to 70 centimeters high. Leaves oblong-lanceolate. Small blue flowers are collected in inflorescences in the axils of the upper leaves.

Gentian triflora (G. triflora) - a perennial plant up to 80 centimeters high, the flowers are blue-violet, bell-shaped, up to 2 centimeters long, arranged in bunches at the top of the stems and in the axils of the upper leaves. The flowering period is August-September.

Gentian stemless (G. acaulis) is a perennial plant with stems up to 10 centimeters high. The flowers are large (up to 5 centimeters long), blue or blue color(there is a white-flowered variety). The flowering period is May-June.

Gentian (G. asclepiadea) is a perennial plant up to 80 centimeters high. large (up to 5 centimeters long) flowers of blue-violet, blue or white color collected 1-3 in inflorescences-brushes in the axils of the leaves. The flowering period is July-August.

Gentian Dahurian (G. dahurica) is a perennial herbaceous plant up to 40 centimeters high. large dark blue flowers are located on the tops of the stems and in the axils of the upper leaves. The flowering period is July-August.

Gentian Chinese garnished (G. sino-ornata) is a perennial creeping plant with densely leafy stems forming a dense green carpet. The flowers are large, up to 5 centimeters, pale blue with light stripes, bell-shaped.

spring gentian (G. verna) - undersized (up to 5 centimeters tall) perennial herbaceous plant. leaves are collected in a basal rosette. The flowers are solitary, blue or white, located at the tops of the stems. The flowering period is June.

Gentian rough (G. scabra) is a perennial plant up to 50 centimeters high. the flowers are large, dark blue, arranged in bunches on the tops of the stems and in the axils of the upper leaves.

Gentian bearded (G. barbata) is an annual herbaceous plant up to 40 centimeters high. the flowers are blue, up to 6 centimeters long, the corolla is incised.

Growing conditions

The gentian plant develops equally well both in the open for sun rays as well as semi-shaded areas. For stemless gentian, cultivation is preferred in slightly acidic soil. Gentians yellow and spring need loose fertile soils. Acidic soil is essential for growing Chinese gentian.

Application

In culture, the gentian flower is used in decoration, as well as in the preparation of group and parterre flower arrangements.

Gentian yellow root is used in folk medicine.

Care

Watering plentiful, regular. Stagnation of water in the area is unacceptable. Care without features.

reproduction

Gentians reproduce by seeds, less often by dividing the mother bush or rhizome. Gentian seeds are sown in open ground before winter. The division of the bushes is carried out in spring or early autumn.

Diseases and pests

Gentian is rarely affected by diseases and pests. It can be damaged by snails and slugs - it is necessary to collect pests manually or on baits, you can lay out metaldehyde preparations. From ants and thrips, the plant should be sprayed with insecticides. Of the diseases in rare cases, there are gray mold, gentian rust, spotting, root collar rot. It is necessary to observe the agricultural technology of the plant, treatment with fungicides.

Popular varieties

Varieties of spring gentian:

'Rubra' - with purple flowers;

‘Oshtenika’ - with yellow flowers.

Varieties of gentian rough:

‘Marsha’- with bright blue flowers;

‘Golden Plume’- with golden flowers;

'Diana'- violet gentian.

Variety of gentian stemless ‘Alba’- differs from the main species in the white color of the flowers.

Gentian (lat. Gentiana) is a perennial, rarely annual herbaceous plant (found in the form of a shrub 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 with entire margins, sessile, opposite.

Gentians amaze with the beauty of their inflorescences. During the flowering period, a continuous cloud appears above the bush, consisting of large corollas. Most often they are bell-shaped (some in the form of a plate), 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 on the territory of Russia. In general, they are common in the temperate climate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. Plants are meadow, they can be found at an altitude of 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, the Illyrian king, who used the rhizome of gentian yellow in the treatment of plague. Due to the presence of glycosides, which give all parts of the plant a bitter taste, gentian got its popular nickname, sometimes it can be found under the name gorchanka.

Is it difficult to take care of?

This beautiful plant completely undeservedly bypassed by many gardeners. The reason is the widespread opinion about the exactingness of care, it is also believed that the plant in conditions middle lane does not hibernate in open ground. How does it winter. And care is no more troublesome than for popular dahlias or gladioli.

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

You should take a closer look at certain types of gentian, find out their features, and then, apparent shortcomings, turn into advantages.

When the gentian blooms

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 the site and enjoy flowering from spring to late autumn.

Growing gentian from seeds

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

Sowing in the ground

Gentian seeds are sown in open ground before winter or seedlings are grown. When podzimny sowing seeds do not need pre-treatment. Dig up the area, spread the seeds over the surface and rake. Shoots will calmly endure 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 gentian seedlings, the seeds must be prepared. They are very small and require stratification to ensure germination. For 1-3 months, keep in moderately humid conditions at an air temperature of 7 ° C, ventilation is required. To do this, mix the seeds with granular peat or fine sand in a ratio of 1 to 3. The stratification period is set experimentally: for some, 1 month is enough, for high-mountainous ones, at least 2 are required.

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

Spread the seeds less often over the soil surface, spray from a fine sprayer, cover with a film or glass, maintain the air temperature at 20 ° C.
The germination process takes 12-20 days. Ventilate crops regularly to get rid of condensation.
When sprouts appear, remove the shelter, provide diffused lighting and air temperature within 14-18 ° C. When the sprouts are strong enough, they form a pair of true leaves, plant them in separate containers, deepening to the cotyledon leaves.
Transplant into open ground at the end of April-beginning of May by transshipment of an earthen clod.

Vegetative propagation of gentian

Division of the rhizome

Gentian species that form a continuous cover 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 division should contain a part of the rhizome and a growth point), try to keep the earth lump whole. Plant in holes, water well, keep a distance of about 25 cm between individual plants.

Reproduction by cuttings

Propagation by cuttings should be carried out at the beginning of the growing season (from spring to early summer). As cuttings, lateral (in tall, branching gentians) or main shoots are used (in short ones, they should be broken off at the very root). 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 type of Chinese gentian decorated can be propagated by layering. In the middle of summer, bend the shoot to the ground, fix it in several places with pebbles or lumps of earth. In the spring they can be separated from the mother plant.

Choosing a site for growing gentian

Perhaps the most important thing in growing gentian is the right site. Subject to all requirements, in gratitude you will receive a long lush flowering in piercing blue tones.

Light and humidity

When choosing a place for growing gentian, one should start from the conditions in which the plant lives in the natural environment. As a rule, gentian grows best in light shade. The perfect place location will be west side. Can be planted in the periphery of the crown 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. So that the soil does not overheat and dry out, plant low-growing cereals nearby - an imitation of natural meadow conditions.

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

Priming

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

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

Gentian yellow and spring need nutritious loose soil.

How to care for gentian in the garden

Care 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 weed grass, fertilization.

Stagnation of moisture is detrimental to the plant - bring 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 defend ordinary tap water in it).

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

Top dressing and pruning

IN frequent feeding the plant does not need, on the contrary, they can be fatal. It is enough to update the layer of mulch consisting of peat annually in the spring, depending on the needs of the plant, add bone meal or garden lime. During the flowering period, you can make a weak dose of complex mineral fertilizer.

To maintain decorativeness, cut wilted inflorescences.

Wintering

Gentians (especially alpine species) are cold-resistant, in the conditions of the middle zone they hibernate without shelter. For long snowless periods, cover with spruce branches.

Diseases and pests

When the site is swamped, the development of diseases is possible: root rot, spotting, rust, gray mold. Fungicide treatment required.

Slugs can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant - they are harvested by hand. In case of damage by thrips or ants, treat with an insecticidal preparation.

Types and varieties of gentian with photos and names

From a huge species diversity gentians, everyone can choose the plant they like.

Gentian gules or vatochnikovaya, gules Gentiana asclepiadea

Gentian vatochnikovaya - the height of the bush is 80 cm, forms a large number of shoots. Leaf plates 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 coloring is dark blue, blue, snow-white and pink are found. Flowering occurs in June-August. Winter hardiness is high.

Gentian Gentiana septemfida

Compact bushes about 30 cm high. Numerous stems stand upright, they are densely covered with oblong, petiolate leaf plates. Dark blue bell-shaped corollas gather in a capitate inflorescence. It blooms from mid-June, delighting about 1.5 months. It tolerates temperatures as low as -35°C.

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

Gentian pulmonary Gentiana pneumonanthe

Graceful stem reaches a height of 25-65 cm, 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 the natural environment, it lives in meadows and plains. Western Europe, Siberia, Caucasus. Grow in light, sandy soils.

Gentian lush Gentiana ampla

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

Large-leaved gentian Gentiana macrophylla

The height of the bush is 10-40 cm. The stems are erect, well branched. Leaf plates are oblong in shape, basal ones are larger, higher - smaller, most of them are located at the base of the stem. The flowers are bell-shaped, blue-violet or pink with darker streaks. The most lush flowering period occurs in July-August, individual flowers appear until the end of October.

Gentian Chinese decorated Gentiana sino-ornata

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

Gentian Aretusa Gentiana arethusae var. delicatula

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

Gentian capitate Gentiana cephalantha

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

Gentian yellow Gentiana lutea

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

Gentian rose flower Gentiana rhodantha

Reaches half a meter in height. The flowers are large, the edges of the petals are filiform-notched. Frost resistant culture. Blooms in October.

Black-leaved gentian 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 lilac shade. It blooms from August, delighting until late autumn. Valuable medicinal properties.

Gentian lawn Gentiana praticola

The maximum height of the bush is 10 cm. The leaf plates are oval in shape, the color is dark green with a purple tint. Corollas are pink with dark red stripes at the base, located in the axils of the leaves and on the tops of the shoots. The flowering period falls on 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 is May-June. Suitable for rocky areas.

Varieties Hohenstein and Rannoch are distinguished by dark lilac-blue radiant colors.

Spring gentian Gentiana verna

Dwarfs, making up a height of only 5 cm. Leaf plates of an obovate shape 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. Blooms at the end of May.

Gentian Delekluza 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.

Gentian Dahurian Gentiana dahurica

Gentian Daurskaya variety Nikita Gentiana dahurica ‘Nikita’ photo

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

Gentian dinar Gentiana dinarica

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

Gentian Kolakovsky Gentiana kolakovskyi

Stems 15-30 cm long extend the same width. Pale blue corollas appear in late summer. Reproduction is exclusively seed (in the conditions of the middle lane, germination is good).

Gentian grandiflora Gentiana grandiflora

Plant about 10 cm high. Flowers: single bells up to 5 cm long, dark blue or purple. The flowering period starts from mid-May and lasts about 1 month. Prefers calcareous soils.

The most notable is JP Dark Blue.

Gentian ciliated Gentiana ciliata

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

Gentian cold Gentiana frigida

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

Gentian point (Gentiana punctata) - a plant 20-60 cm high. The flowering period falls on July-August. In the axils of the leaves, bell-shaped corollas of a light yellow hue with purple specks appear. Requires maintaining constant humidity, tolerates partial shade, subacid and acidic soils will rise.

Gentian Ternifolia Gentiana ternifolia

Shoots 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 (down to -29 ° C).

Gentian triflora Gentiana triflora

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

Gentian rough Gentiana scabra

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

Gentian angustifolia Gentiana angustifolia

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

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

Gentian in landscape design

The neon-glowing coloring of gentian will become the center of any composition. Gentians are self-sufficient in solo plantings: they are planted in flowerbeds and flowerbeds, used for framing garden paths, undersized species are the best suited for alpine slides and rockeries.

The blue tone of gentian inflorescences is eye-catching and bright, they are often used in compositions with flowers of yellow and white colors.

At the peak of flowering of miniature gentians, shoots are practically not visible: the glasses of the inflorescence are so closely shifted. They go well with primroses, iberis, edelweiss, small bulbous plants.

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

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

When framing an artificial reservoir (pond, pool, fountain), they are combined with variegated hosts, undersized ferns, and ornamental grasses.

Medicinal properties of gentian

The plant has medicinal properties- Gentian is widely used in folk medicine.

The ground part of the plant contains a large amount of glycosides. A decoction is used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, gallbladder; as an adjuvant in the treatment of constipation, heartburn, gout, arthritis.

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

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

Amazing things happen to the blue color in the garden - for some reason it is always scarce. Whatever we plant: mighty delphiniums, bluebells of all shapes and sizes, panicled phlox, turning blue only in the evening, perennial asters of different types and varieties, but it turns out everything is “not right”. Violet, lilac, blue, pinkish shades "blur" the picture. You can, of course, arrange flowerpots with flyers throughout the garden - but isn’t a gardener alive with lobelia alone? But there are, there are such plants - the owners of flowers of a piercing, purest blue. These are gentians.

Gentian genus (Gentiana) is rich and diverse. There are species that bloom in early spring and so deep in autumn that they disappear with flowers under the snow. There are both gentian dwarfs and giants. There are those growing in a vertical bush, a spreading bouquet, a falling cascade or forming a dense low curtain. In general, there are options for any conditions and any design style - rocky gardens, ceremonial flower beds and natural compositions.

A significant number of gentians does not make any special claims to the growing conditions and does not require a serious investment of time and effort from the gardener. We will talk about them now.

Spring "stars"

In mid - late May, the parade is opened by stemless gentian - a lovely miniature plant with huge (5-6 cm) bright blue bell-shaped flowers with a "freckled" throat. Simultaneously with it, a similar city of Kluza blooms, the elongated flowers of which are even larger. This fantastic spectacle can be observed for up to two, and in a cool spring - up to three weeks. But even after flowering, a low dense "bun" collected from wintering rosettes looks very attractive.

Both of these species are classic inhabitants of alpine hills and rocky gardens with an eastern or western exposure. They develop well on loose, relatively fertile and ideally drained soils, do not like overdrying. But if the city of stemless prefers slightly acidic soil, then the city of Kluza, on the contrary, needs to add limestone rubble to the soil. These gentians build up a curtain rather slowly, but they tolerate division and transplantation well.

Breeding Secrets

The most affordable breeding method for gentians is sowing seeds before winter in the garden or home sowing with a phased stratification of "warm - cold - warm". Miniature species growing in a clump (g. stemless, Cluzy, etc.) can also be propagated by cutting young rosettes on stolons and dividing the clump. But in the city of seven-sectioned, Dahurian, lastovneva, etc., it is better not to divide the bushes - their buds are located on a single root neck, and its injury often leads the plant to death. Best way vegetative propagation similar gentians - cut them with basal shoots, broken out "with a heel". This is done in the spring, when the shoots grow to about 5 cm. Rooted cuttings are planted no earlier than in a season.

Summer on the march

Alas, June is not the time for our heroines. But at this time, Siberian irises, veronicas, sages bloom, completely satisfying the gardener's need for real blue. But from July until the snow, the grandiose show of gentians lasts without a break.

In July, the seven-separate city blooms. This is a very beautiful and unusual plant, and if you plant it not in the scorching sun, but with some shading, then you can admire the flowering until late autumn. It is suitable for both rocky garden, and for the foreground of the flower garden, and it will feel best on moderately fertile, slightly acidic, loose soils with sufficient moisture. But it is important to allocate enough space for her, because her long stems fall apart, rising only with the upper part, and mature plant can reach a diameter of 40 cm. Large flowers are located on the tops of the shoots and in the axils of the upper leaves. Just imagine the picture: a huge, bearing up to 25 stems and more than 200 bright blue gentian flowers!

Gentian seven-parted has a lot of variations, and in addition, it easily crosses with related species. Therefore, under this name, you can get plants that are completely different in the nature of growth, flowering time and, most importantly, the color of the flowers - all shades of blue and blue, and even two-tone ones - with a white tube and a bright corolla.

At the same time, Mr. Daurskaya enters the stage - perhaps the most unpretentious and versatile of all. This gentian is quite satisfied with ordinary garden soil and a bright place. Her neat bushes up to 30 cm high with numerous rising shoots and many blue flowers in the upper part of the stems look great in the foreground of a flower garden, and as a border along the path, and even as a container plant.

In the middle - the end of July, the "queen of gentians" also blooms - g. Powerful and elegant at the same time, with falling shoots up to 60 cm long and a waterfall of large flowers of such a deep blue color that when you look at her, the heart stops. This gentian looks most impressive when cascading down a retaining wall or hillock framed by cereals, ferns, and low shrubs. She prefers partial shade, but with sufficient watering she feels good in the sun. The soil will suit her with ordinary garden soil - the luxurious look of this gentian is combined with extreme undemanding. It blooms for a long time and withstands even the first frost.

Gentian swine. Photo: AiF / Elena Popleva In early August, a fragile and graceful inhabitant of our meadows, M. pulmonary, joins the parade. Its bushes 30 cm high with thin shoots, bearing large bright blue flowers in the upper part, will best fit into natural style compositions. She prefers fairly fertile and moist soils and a well-lit place.

Autumn marathon

The parade is closed by another miniature of the gentian world - decorated Chinese. From September it blooms without interruption until snow. But even the first snow does not harm it - large, surprisingly graceful bell-shaped flowers protrude provocatively from under it. The general ephemeral appearance of this gentian - thin shoots pressed to the ground with small needle-like leaves - surprisingly contrasts both with the size of the flowers and their abundance, and with the stamina of its character. Another nice feature of this species is the ease of rooting of lying shoots. A new young plant is formed at the rooting site for the next season, which can be planted immediately. This gentian prefers lit places and slightly acidic, sufficiently moist soils with good drainage.

Did you know?

Gentian flowers are not only blue. For example, in the city of yellow, powerful thick stems (0.5 meters high or more) are decorated with many yellow flowers in the middle of summer. In the second half of summer blooms and g. purple flowers with deep wine color. By the way, a number of traditionally blue gentians also have color variations. So, Mr. Stemless has a form with white flowers, and Mr. Kluz has pink and even two-tone, white-violet flowers. Mr. Lastovnevoy also has pink and white forms.

Gentian dove, white form. Photo: AiF / Elena Kozhina