Star Gentian
Gentiana cruciata
- Native to:
- Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Krym, Netherlands, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Ukraine
Robert Flogaus-Faust
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Gentianaceae
- Genus:
- Gentiana
- Species:
- Gentiana cruciata
- USDA Symbol:
- GECR6
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 50 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, violet
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- calcareous, well-drained, rocky soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers limestone-rich areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Requires light for germination; sow on surface. Cold stratification improves germination rates significantly.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Sow @ 20°C. If seed does not germinate within 3 months, try 4°C for 1-2 months, then 20°C again. Requires light or the seed is very fine. Surface sow and expose to light. Germination if successful only when GA3 is used. * avoid pricking out individually, transplant seedlings in clumps