Willow Gentian

A majestic and elegant alpine species native to the mountains of Central and Southern Europe. Unlike many of its procumbent relatives, Gentiana asclepiadea produces arching, willow-like stems that can reach up to 60cm in height. In late summer and early autumn, it produces clusters of beautiful, deep-blue, trumpet-shaped flowers in the leaf axils. It is particularly well-suited to the UK climate, preferring a cooler, more moist position than most alpines, making it ideal for a north-facing rockery or the edge of a woodland garden. It thrives in humus-rich, acidic to neutral soil that remains reliably moist but well-drained. This plant is fully hardy (H7) and provides a vital late-season splash of intense colour. It is a slow-growing perennial that resents root disturbance once established, so choose its permanent position carefully. Seedlings may take several years to flower, but the result is a long-lived and incredibly rewarding garden plant.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Moist, humus-rich, acidic to neutral soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Aug, Sep, Oct.