Gentiana cruciata
Blooming Time
Exposure
Cross Gentian has spoon shaped leaves that meet at the nodes in the form of a cross, hence the name. These leaves are thick, waxy, deep green, almost succulent, and set a beautiful foil to the loads of interesting flowers that this plant bears. The flowers are colored gentian-blue (of course) with white throats and arise mid to late summer. Shaped like trumpets, they are carried in clusters in the nodes of the stems and provide food to a host of pollinators. Considered easy to grow, Cross Gentiain is a great addition to most any garden.
Details
Hardiness Zone:
Blossom Color:
Blue to Blue Gray
Growth Habit:
Clump Forming
Max Height:
12"
Texture:
Recommended Spacing:
We sell this plant in these containers:
Special Characteristics
Features
Leaves are thick, waxy, deep green, almost succulent, and set a beautiful foil to the loads of interesting flowers that this plant bears.
Landscape Value
Considered easy to grow, Cross Gentiain is a great addition to most any garden.
Care
Watering:
Cross Gentian requires a fair amount of supplemental watering and often requires watering on a regular basis during the growing season.
Fertilizing:
Cross Gentian benefits from regular feeding and likely will grow best with: a spring (May) application of slow release fertilizer with a 3-1-2 ratio (such as a 15-5-10) at a rate of about 10 pounds per 1000 square feet, and a summer (July) application of slow release fertilizer with a 3-1-2 ratio (such as a 15-5-10) at a rate of about 10 pound per 1000 square feet, and and an early fall (September) application of a 2-1-2 ratio (such as a 10-5-10) at a rate of 15 pounds per 1000 square feet to encourage root development and cold hardiness.
Pruning:
Cross Gentian is a deciduous plant (nonevergreen) and does not require pruning. It is perfectly acceptable to allow the dropped leaves to decompose and nourish the soil.