narrowleaf gentian

It's important to maintain proper watering when caring for a narrowleaf gentian (Gentiana linearis). The gentian should be watered immediately after planting and then watered every 1-2 weeks during the spring and summer months. Water it deeply, meaning each watering should be enough to fully saturate the soil but not so much that it’s pooling up at the base of the plant. Be sure to keep an eye on the soil and adjust the frequency of watering based on the how dry or moist the soil feels. Narrowleaf gentians should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering. During the colder months of fall and winter, the frequency of watering should be reduced, allowing the plant to go slightly dry between watering.

Narrowleaf gentian (Gentiana linearis) is a sun-loving plant that thrives best in full sun. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and bloom performance. The plant will tolerate partial shade, but it may not produce as many flowers, and will have a weaker overall constitution. It’s best to ensure that the plant receives direct sunlight for most of the day, ideally between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. While this species can tolerate some partial shade, it should not be kept in full shade.

Narrowleaf Gentian (Gentiana linearis) should be pruned after flowering in the summer months happening in late August to early September. The recommended pruning of this plant should be done in moderation. Light pruning, such as removing dead or damaged branches, should be done after the flowers fade in late summer. Removing dead foliage will help to keep the plant healthy. After the first flowering period, a more significant pruning can be done if desired. This heavier pruning can help to keep the plant in bounds and should be done in early spring. Do not prune large branches since this can harm or even kill the plant. Pruning should not be done frequently since narrowleaf gentians tend to blossom best when older wood is present.