cross gentian
Gentiana cruciata 'Blue Cross'
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 7
Flowers:
Blue Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Cross Gentian plants should be watered moderately and regularly. Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch (about every 7-10 days). Avoid getting the flowers wet when watering, as they can become damaged. Water in the morning to give the plant enough time to dry off during the day and help reduce the likelihood of disease.
sunlight
Cross gentian (Gentiana cruciata 'Blue Cross') performs best in full sunlight for around 6-8 hours per day, from mid-spring to late fall. Partial shade can be tolerated, but this species should still get at least 4 hours of direct light every day. During the summer months, it is best to move the Cross gentian into full shade to prevent scorching and heat stress.
pruning
Cross gentians should be pruned in late spring, when new growth begins to appear. When pruning, you should remove all dead and diseased branches. Cross gentians prefer to be lightly pruned, so you should only remove the tips of the stems, leaving the sides intact. This will help to maintain the compact shape and encourage larger blooms. If the plant becomes too large, it can be pruned back further, but be sure not to remove more than 1 third of the stem in any single season.
