Bring rich, deep-blue color to your garden with Cross Gentian (Gentiana cruciata) — a hardy, low-maintenance perennial loved for its striking star-shaped blooms and importance to pollinators.
This unassuming yet elegant plant thrives in a wide range of soils and pH levels, tolerates drought once established, and is well suited for rock gardens, alpine beds, and naturalistic plantings.
Blooming from mid to late summer, Cross Gentian produces clusters of dark blue flowers held above attractive rosette-forming foliage. It’s also known for its strong resistance to most common plant diseases, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want beauty without fuss.
As a bonus, Gentiana cruciata is an important host plant for certain butterfly species, adding ecological value to its ornamental appeal.
Plant Details
Botanical Name: Gentiana cruciata
Common Name: Cross Gentian, Star Gentian
Plant Type: Perennial
Height: approx. 40 cm / 16 inches
Plant Spacing: approx. 25 cm / 10 inches
Flower Color: Dark blue
Bloom Time: July – September
Uses: Rock gardens, alpine gardens, pollinator gardens
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 – 7
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Preference: Dry to average, gritty, well-drained soils
Why You’ll Love It
Easy to grow & low maintenance
Drought tolerant once established
Adapts well to different soil pH levels
Mostly resistant to common pests & diseases
Valuable butterfly host plant
Planting Instructions: https://bloomoutlet.com/seed-guides
