Willow gentian Gentiana asclepiadea
Willow gentian (Gentiana asclepiadea) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Gentianaceae family, native to Mountain woods and damp meadows of central and southern Europe to the Caucasus. It grows 50–80 cm (20–31 in) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
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Willow gentian at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Gentianaceae |
| Mature height | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mountain woods and damp meadows of central and southern Europe to the Caucasus |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇵🇱 Poland |
Is Willow gentian toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Willow gentian
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Willow gentian
- How far apart should I plant Willow gentian?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Willow gentian need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Willow gentian need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Willow gentian?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Willow gentian flower?
- From about August for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Willow gentian poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Willow gentian?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Willow gentian. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Alpine Garden Society Encyclopaedia of Alpines and plant portraits, Alpine Garden Society, Pershore (UK)
Notes and assumptions
- Arching stems with willow-like leaves and pairs of deep blue trumpets along their length in late summer and early autumn. One of the easiest gentians: a woodland plant for part shade and moist soil.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Stemless gentian Gentiana acaulis
- Tembusu Cyrtophyllum fragrans
- Spring gentian Gentiana verna
- Autumn gentian (Chinese gentian) Gentiana sino-ornata
- Great yellow gentian Gentiana lutea
- Lisianthus (prairie gentian) Eustoma russellianum
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula