Pyrenean Gentian

Hailing from the lime-rich heights of the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian mountains, Gentiana occidentalis is a stunning member of the Acaulis group, though it is often considered easier to flower in UK gardens than its relatives. It forms low mats of pointed, dark green, evergreen leaves. In late spring, it produces large, sessile, trumpet-shaped flowers of an intense, saturated sapphire blue, often marked with olive-green or white spotting in the throat. The sheer brilliance of the blue is almost unparalleled in the plant world. Unlike some other gentians, this species is somewhat more tolerant of alkaline soils, though it still appreciates plenty of organic matter and moisture during the growing season. It performs best in a cool, open position with excellent drainage. A regular top-dressing with gritty compost after flowering helps to maintain vigor. It is fully hardy (H5) but, like all alpines, it will not tolerate stagnant water around its roots during the winter months.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained but moisture-retentive gritty loam.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: May, Jun.