Gentiana sceptrum
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KING GENTIAN, SWAMP GENTIAN
Family: Gentianaceae
Pronounced: gen-TEE-ah-na SEP-trum
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
British Columbia to California.
Plant Group:
Perennial.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 1-6, 14-17.
USDA zones: 6-8.
Heat zones: 8-6.
Mature size:
Height: 18-36 inches (45-90 cm).
Width: 8 inches (20 cm).
Flowering period:
Late summer.
Flowering attributes:
Cobalt blue, tubular flowers.
Leaf attributes:
Opposite, oblong-lance-shaped, green leaves.
Growth habit:
Herbaceous.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Humus rich, moist to wet soils.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed as soon as ripe. | Divide in spring.
Rainy Side Notes
Walking through a natural bog area and coming upon this long-lived, beautiful plant in full bloom is enough to make you take up permanent bog gardening. Although this species lives in wet conditions, it will thrive in the garden where moisture is applied on a regular basis. A plant of prairies and bogs, it is suitable for the Pacific Northwest garden, especially in difficult to grow conditions such as standing water, during our winter rains.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed near Lake Ozette on the Olympic Peninsula.
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