Gentiana clusii
Gentiana clusii
Safety & Hazards
None known
Cultivation Details
Gentiana clusii is native to mountainous regions in the temperate zone of central and southern Europe where it is found at elevations up to 2,760 metres. A moderately cold-tolerant plant, when fully dormant it can withstand temperatures down to about -20°c[1]. Gentiana species generally grow best when there is ample moisture to the roots in the growing season, but they also require very good drainage[1]. Often being native to mountainous regions, they require a certain minimum of atmospheric humidity; a high light intensity; but also a site where temperatures are not too high in the growing season[2]. They are therefore more difficult to grow in areas with hot summers and in such a region they appreciate some protection from the strongest sunlight[1, 2]. Most species will grow well in the rock garden[1]. An easy species to grow, doing well in a rock garden[2]. It succeeds in a sunny position in an ordinary, somewhat loamy soil which never becomes too dry[2]. Another report says that it grows best on calcareous soils[1]. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance[1].
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a light position in a cold frame[1]. It can also be sown in late winter or early spring but the seed germinates best if given a period of cold stratification and quickly loses viability when stored, with older seed germinating slowly and erratically[1, 2]. It is advantageous to keep the seed at about 10°c for a few days after sowing, to enable the seed to imbibe moisture[2]. Following this with a period of at least 5 - 6 weeks with temperatures falling to between 0 and -5°c will usually produce reasonable germination[2]. It is best to use clay pots, since plastic ones do not drain so freely and the moister conditions encourage the growth of moss, which will prevent germination of the seed[2]. The seed should be surface-sown, or only covered with a very light dressing of compost. The seed requires dark for germination, so the pots should be covered with something like newspaper or be kept in the dark until germination begins[2]. Pot up the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. The seedlings grow on very slowly, taking 2 - 7 years to reach flowering size[2]. When the plants are of sufficient size, place them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division of larger clumps in early summer after the plant has flowered[2]. Dig up the entire plant, divide it into 2 - 3 fair-sized clumps with a spade or knife, and replant immediately[2]. Alternatively, individual rosettes can be carefully removed from the clump, these can be potted up for a few weeks before being planted in their permanent positions[2]. Cite as: Temperate Plants Database, Ken Fern. temperate.theferns.info. 2026-02-21. <temperate.theferns.info/plant/Gentiana+clusii>
Pollinators
Insects
References
- [1]The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. — Huxley. A. · MacMillan Press · 1992 · ISBN 0-333-47494-5 ↩︎Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
- [2]Gentians. — Köhlein. F. · Christopher Helm. London. · 1991 · ISBN 0-88192-192-0 ↩︎A nice readable book, giving details of habitats and cultural needs for many of the members of this genus, with brief notes on other genera in the family.