Spring Gentian 'Angulosa'

The Spring Gentian is one of the most iconic plants of the European Alps and the Burren in Ireland. This particular variety, 'Angulosa', is often considered more robust and easier to cultivate in UK gardens than the species. It forms small, neat rosettes of pointed green leaves and produces an abundance of intensely brilliant, star-shaped, azure-blue flowers in early spring. The blue is so vivid it can appear to glow. In the garden, it needs a position that is sunny but where the soil stays cool and consistently moist—it will not tolerate drying out completely. A mixture of loam, grit, and well-rotted leaf mould is ideal. In the UK, it is often grown in a dedicated 'Gentian bed' or a large trough. It is a short-lived perennial, so it is best to allow some seed to drop or to divide clumps every few years to keep the stock vigorous. It is a breathtakingly beautiful addition to any alpine collection.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Apr, May.