Gentianas can be a bit temperamental to grow but well worth the effort considering some have the richest blue flowers of all garden plants, and when grown in a large group are absolutely stunning.
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The lovely trumpet-, bell- or star-shaped blooms range from deep violet to brilliant mid-blue, sometimes with green-speckled or white throats. A few species have white or yellow flowers.
Gentianas were named in honour of the ancient King Gentius of Illyria who grew herbs and is credited with discovering the medicinal uses of Gentiana lutea.
Commonly known as bitterwort, for good reason, gentianas contain some of the most bitter compounds known and G. lutea is so acrid the taste can still be detected when diluted to 1 in 12,000 parts.
Before hops were grown, gentianas were used to give drinks a bitter taste and flavour beer.
The flowers are used in dye making.
Gentianas usually form a small clump of simple basal leaves or a cluster of wiry stems with opposite leaves.
They demand a soil that is deep with a neutral to acid pH, rich in humus, free-draining but moisture-retentive, in a position that gets sun or part shade. A rockery would be the ideal situation.
They have a reputation for being somewhat difficult to grow outside their natural habitat but there are some species a little easier to cultivate in the home garden.
Gentiana acaulis forms a mat of glossy, dark green leaves and produces the most vivid dark blue, long-throated, bell-shaped flowers in spring to early summer.
Gentiana lutea is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with fleshy roots. The starry, bright yellow flowers grow in whorled clusters on tall, strong stems.
Gentiana asclepiadea has willow-like green, herbaceous leaves and deep blue flowers in rows on long stems. Gentiana a. var. ‘alba’ is the white form.
These plants are usually found in specialist nurseries, but if you like a challenge, seek them out for they make a marvellous collection.
Some like it damp
If your garden has a low area where water lies during wet weather in winter, don’t despair as there are some lovely shrubs that will tolerate such unfavourable conditions.
Amelanchiers with their spring blossoms, beautiful autumn foliage and purple berries will thrive here and provide year round pleasure. Viburnum opulus, the snowball tree, with white flowers in late spring and red autumn berries is another good choice.
Elders are also a suitable planting perhaps as foliage plants more than anything else.
Among these Sambucus nigra is a stand-out with small white to cream flowers followed by shiny, purple/black berries.
Coloured-stemmed dogwoods, such as Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ can make spectacular winter features when cut back hard every second year.
Diary
April 11: Longford Garden Club meets at the Christ Church Parish Hall, William Street, Longford at 7.30pm
April 14: The Australian Plant Society’s Autumn Native Plant Sale at Max Fry Hall, Trevallyn, 10am-4pm.
April 17: The Australian Plant Society meets at the Max Fry Hall on Gorge Rd, Trevallyn at 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome. Hear experts talk on gardening with native plants.
April 18: The Launceston Horticultural Society meets at the Windmill Hill Hall, High Street, Launceston at 8pm.
April 19: The Launceston Orchid Society meets at the Newnham Uniting Church Hall, George Town Road, Launceston at 7pm.
April 21: Autumn Spectacular at Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden, Burnie featuring Burnie Concert Band and the Segway Singers from 10am4pm. Entry $10 adults, concession $8, children free. Tea room open 10am – 4pm.
