Crested Gentian 'var. lagodechiana'

This variety of the Crested Gentian is widely considered one of the easiest and most reliable Gentians for the average UK garden. Unlike the finicky spring-flowering species, this one is much more tolerant of different soil types, though it still prefers a well-drained, humus-rich soil that doesn't dry out completely in summer. It has a semi-prostrate habit, with stems that arch outwards and upwards, tipped with clusters of large, trumpet-shaped flowers of a stunning, deep azure blue with white spotted throats. It flowers in late summer, providing a welcome splash of intense colour when many other alpines have finished. It is fully hardy (H7) and performs best in full sun or very light shade. It is a perfect choice for the edge of a border or a large rockery where its trailing stems can spread out. It does not require winter protection and is generally much more long-lived than the more temperamental high-altitude gentians.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained loam.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.