Gentiana asclepiadea
Encyclopedia
Gentiana asclepiadea is a species of the genus Gentiana. It is native to central and eastern Europe from primarily mountain (montane) woodland though it does occur in less wooded open pasture in some areas, perhaps persisting after woodland clearance.
One of the larger species within the genus, it produces pairs of leaves, sometimes whorled in three's or fours around particularly vigorous shoots on stems that generally arch elegantly outward from the base of the plant between 60-90cm (2-3ft) in length. Flowers occur in late summer into autumn.
Like many members of the genus and indeed the family Gentianaceae
, the roots have a close association with certain fungi in a similar way to the Orchidaceae
and Ericaceae
though of course completely unrelated to both of these families. This particular species is relatively easy to grow in most garden situations as long as it has plenty of organic material added to the soil.
Gentiana asclepiadea likes moist, rich, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. The plant can be divided after flowering however it seldom needs this.
Propagate by seed sown as soon as the seed is ripe into a cold frame. If sowing the seed indoors then cold treatment is needed.
Suffers from spider mites, slugs, snails and aphids.
One of the larger species within the genus, it produces pairs of leaves, sometimes whorled in three's or fours around particularly vigorous shoots on stems that generally arch elegantly outward from the base of the plant between 60-90cm (2-3ft) in length. Flowers occur in late summer into autumn.
Like many members of the genus and indeed the family Gentianaceae
Gentianaceae
Gentianaceae are a family of flowering plants of 87 genera and over 1500 species. Flowers are actinomorphic and bisexual with fused sepals and petals. The stamens are attached to the inside of the petals and alternate with the corolla lobes. There is a glandular disk at the base of the gynoecium,...
, the roots have a close association with certain fungi in a similar way to the Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
The Orchidaceae, commonly referred to as the orchid family, is a morphologically diverse and widespread family of monocots in the order Asparagales. Along with the Asteraceae, it is one of the two largest families of flowering plants, with between 21,950 and 26,049 currently accepted species,...
and Ericaceae
Ericaceae
The Ericaceae, commonly known as the heath or heather family, is a group of mostly calcifuge flowering plants. The family is large, with roughly 4000 species spread across 126 genera, making it the 14th most speciose family of flowering plants...
though of course completely unrelated to both of these families. This particular species is relatively easy to grow in most garden situations as long as it has plenty of organic material added to the soil.
Gentiana asclepiadea likes moist, rich, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. The plant can be divided after flowering however it seldom needs this.
Propagate by seed sown as soon as the seed is ripe into a cold frame. If sowing the seed indoors then cold treatment is needed.
Suffers from spider mites, slugs, snails and aphids.