Blue gentian is the Alpine flower par excellence. The perennial is protected and may only be planted in the garden as a cultivated plant by the gardener. Caring for the robust perennial is easy. It needs more attention when caring for it in the pot.
How do you properly care for gentian?
Gentian care includes moderate, regular watering, appropriate fertilization depending on the species, pruning after flowering and winter preparation. Make sure you have the right soil conditions and location for optimal growth and minimal disease or pests.
How to water gentian correctly?
The roots of the gentian are very sensitive. They must neither dry out nor be too wet. Water gentian outdoors moderately but regularly. Even in dry winters, gentian occasionally needs some watering.
Gentian in a pot is watered more often because the soil dries out more quickly. Make sure there is a large drainage hole in the planter so that excess water can drain away.
Does gentian need regular fertilizer?
The nutrient supply varies greatly between gentian species. Clusius gentian prefers very calcareous soil. You should add some lime here in spring. Simply bury a piece of chalk (€4.00 on Amazon) next to the plant.
Koch's gentians, on the other hand, only thrive on slightly acidic soils. They can't tolerate lime at all. You can improve the soil by either planting the perennials under conifers or covering them with fir branches in winter.
When caring for the pot, you must occasionally check whether the soil condition is still correct. Plant the gentian in spring in fresh soil improved with compost.
Can gentian be transplanted in a pot?
Yes, in spring you should transplant the perennial into fresh soil and, if necessary, into a larger pot.
When should gentian plants be cut?
Pruning after flowering ensures that the plant branches better. Cut off spent flowers if you do not want to harvest seeds. The ripening of the seeds takes unnecessary strength away from the perennial.
Pruning makes sense before winter rest. But it's not really necessary.
What diseases or pests occur with gentian?
Gentian is very robust. Diseases only occur if the plant is too moist. Fungi then develop that cause the stems to rot.
Aphids and spider mites rarely attack gentian. They are usually easy to collect. A light infestation has little effect on a strong gentian plant.
How is gentian overwintered?
Gentian is hardy. However, it doesn't hurt if you cover the plants with brushwood, especially in rough locations. With Kochschem Gentian you can also use fir branches.
Gentian needs more winter protection in the pot:
- Protected location
- Place planter on insulation material
- Cover the container with foil
- Don’t forget to water
Place the tubs or pots in a corner protected from the wind. Make sure that the soil does not dry out, as the gentian will not sprout again next year.
Tips & Tricks
Blue gentian is most commonly grown in gardens. White and yellow gentian species are also easy to care for. The best locations for these varieties are shady places and poor or very nutritious soil.