The blue gentian has become a popular rock garden plant. That is not by accident. In the garden, the alpine plant creates magnificent floral decorations. It finds the best growing conditions, especially in rock gardens. Tips for Planting Gentian in the Garden.
How do I properly care for gentian in the garden?
Gentian in the garden should be planted in a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained, nutrient-rich and loose soil. Ideally plant in a rock garden, water moderately and add lime or compost if necessary. Provide winter protection.
Planting gentian in the garden
Enzian values a good location and even more so a nutritious, loose soil.
The rock garden is ideal as a location. The stones keep the soil moist and also ensure the supply of lime for Clusius gentians. Koch's gentians, on the other hand, feel more at home under coniferous trees.
Location tips:
- Sunny to partially shaded
- Avoid too much direct sun
- Not too warm
- Somewhat sheltered from the wind
Prepare the soil well
Gentian, no matter what variety, does not tolerate waterlogging at all. Therefore, loosen the soil well so that rain and irrigation water can drain away.
Enrich the soil with mature compost and, depending on the type of gentian, lime.
Plant or sow in spring
The best time to plant is early spring. Gentian plants grown in advance by the gardener usually bloom after just a few weeks.
You can still plant gentian in autumn. If you want to sow the alpine flower, autumn is the best time. The seeds then get enough cold to germinate.
How to care for the gentian
Once the gentian has grown properly, it doesn't need much care.
Water moderately but regularly so that the roots never dry out but are also not too moist.
If the gentian does not want to bloom properly, depending on the variety, you can add lime or improve the soil with compost.
Some winter protection is good for the gentian
Generally, gentian is hardy, but sensitive plants in particular should be protected from severe frost.
Before winter, prune the plants to thin them out. To overwinter the gentian, cover it with brushwood or other suitable material.
Tips & Tricks
Gentian is not a houseplant. You can also care for the plants with their pretty blue flowers in pots or balcony boxes. But they belong outdoors on the terrace, balcony or outside window sill.
