Species cross gentian
Gentiana cruciata 'Blue Cross'; navy blue to blue flower with green lanceolate long leaves with smooth margins

cross gentian

Gentiana cruciata 'Blue Cross'

Cross Gentian, also known as Gentiana cruciata 'Blue Cross', features bright blue star-shaped sepals that stand atop long-legged stems. Found in rocky, alpine environments, its unique shape and deep blue coloration makes it one of the most stunning wildflowers around. The enchanting blooms appear from late summer through fall, making this flower a true highlight of the season. It's hardy and adaptable, so it can also make a great addition to almost any garden. Whether planted along walkways, tucked away in a flower bed, or forming a stunning mass planting, cross gentian is sure to be a true eye-catcher.

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.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Cross gentian typically starts flowering in July.

Hardiness Map