Gentian: planting and care in open ground, types and varieties with photos, application

Gentians are herbaceous plants for open ground, which are classified as perennials, as well as subshrubs from the Gentian family. The culture received the botanical name Gentiana (Gentiana) in honor of the Illyrian ruler Gentius. In Russian, it is called gentian for its bitter taste.

Blue gentian flowers will decorate your garden plot

Botanical description

The height of an adult plant varies from 25 cm to 1.5 m. Gentian stems are short: straight or erect. Green leaves are located opposite. In some species they are much larger at the root than at the stem.

The central root is wide, short, with numerous lateral thin branches.

After flowering ends, the seeds ripen in a two-leaf capsule.

When and how does gentian bloom?

The flowering period of gentian depends on its variety. Some bloom in spring, others in summer, and others in autumn.

The flowers are usually solitary or a few bells with 4-5 reeds. Flower baskets are usually blue, light blue or purple. There are specimens with yellow and white flowers.

The flower basket is funnel-shaped or bell-shaped. Individual specimens, spreading their petals, become like small plates.

The gentian flower resembles a bell after opening.

Varieties

Science knows about 400 types of gentian, which grow in various areas of the planet. In Russia and neighboring countries there are a little more than 90 varieties of medicinal plants.

Gentian angustifolia

An ornamental perennial, the height of the bush is about 25 cm. In nature, narrow-leaved gentian can be found in the foothills of the Alps, in places with clay and calcareous soil.The erect stems of the plant are densely planted with oppositely arranged lanceolate smooth leaves. At the top of each stem of the plant there is one large blue bell. The flowering period of narrow-leaved gentiana occurs in late spring.

The soil for narrow-leaved gentian is calcareous clay.

Gentian macrophylla

An ornamental medicinal plant that begins to bloom towards the end of summer. The stems of gentian large-leaved are erect or slightly drooping, the stem length is about 70 cm. Elongated pointed leaf plates of different sizes are located at the root and in the internodes. The length of the basal leaves reaches 35 cm, and the width is 20-30 cm. The leaves located in the internodes of the plant are much smaller.

The flowers are gramophone blue-violet in color, with 5 slightly bent petals, collected in inflorescences of 4-5 pieces. They are located at the top of the plant stem.

The large-leaved species was named for its wide leaf blades.

Chinese decorated gentian

Ornamental plant about 15 cm in height. The width of the bush is approximately 30 cm. The short stems of gentiana are densely covered with opposite narrow pointed leaves. The bright blue buds of Chinese gentian grow up to 5 cm. This species is characterized by the presence of white stripes on the buds. The plant loves sunlight, but can develop normally in partial shade. Blooms in May-August.

Chinese Ornate Gentian can be recognized by its white stripes

Gentian grandiflora

A low ornamental medicinal plant, the height of the bush is no more than 12 cm. Narrow, smooth green leaves are located at the root. The blue bells of the flowers are large, up to 5 cm in diameter. The arrangement of flower baskets is single. Flowering of blue gentian begins in late spring and lasts about 1 month.

Large-flowered gentian pleases with an abundance of flowers

Gentian bearded

Gentiana grows up to 40 cm. The peduncles are straight, the leaves are green, long, and located oppositely on the stems. The lower leaves form a lush rosette. The bells of the flowers are blue, the corolla is notched.

Bearded gentian was named for the shape of its flower.

Gentian triflorum

A moisture-loving species that thrives in swampy and waterlogged areas. Three-flowered gentian can be found in the East Siberian regions, as well as on Sakhalin. The stems are erect, not branched, grow up to 50-70 cm.

The leaf plates of the plant are lanceolate, elongated, form a lush basal rosette at the roots, and are located opposite on the stems. The flowers are dark blue, goblet-shaped.

The root is branched and located in the top layer of soil.

Three-flowered gentian - medium-sized plant

Gentian seven-partite

Low (up to 35 cm), ornamental medicinal plant. A large number of erect or ascending stems form a rosette at the root. The foliage of the plant is intense. The leaf blades are small, elongated, sessile. At the top of the stem, inflorescences of 7-8 blue bell flowers are formed.

Gentiana tolerates sub-zero temperatures well, for this reason it does not need special shelter from the winter cold.Seven-part gentian has several subspecies.

The seven-parted gentian will delight you with its beauty for 1.5 months

Lagodekhi

Low-growing plant (about 12 cm). Stems are erect or erect, foliage is intense. Large violet-blue corollas of flowers form inflorescences.

Gentian lagodekhsaya is one of the few that has a purple hue

Blue haze

Gentian Blue Haze, which is not particularly difficult to plant and care for, is a low-growing (about 12 cm) plant with bright blue flower corollas that form small inflorescences. The leaves are long and opposite.

Blue haze would look good in a garden bed

Tibetan gentian

A medicinal and ornamental perennial with a height of 22 to 62 cm. The leaves located at the root are wide, smooth, reaching a length of 35 cm. The leaves on the stems of the plant are much smaller. White gramophone flowers are collected in lush inflorescences at the tops of peduncles.

Tibetan gentian buds are always white

Gentian Dinaric

An ornamental medicinal plant belonging to the perennial category. The height is 15-20 cm. The width of the bush is about 50 cm. This variety of gentian is characterized by short stems that support large (4-4.5 cm) blue bell buds. A distinctive feature of Dinaric gentian is a green spot in the center of the bud.

The flowering period begins in May-June. The seeds of the plant ripen closer to the last month of summer. Gentian grass loves sunny areas, but also feels fine in lacy shade. The species is characterized as frost-resistant.

You can identify Dinaric gentian by the green spot in the middle of the flower.

Altai gentian

A perennial low-growing plant with a branched creeping root and a large number of stems 5-5.5 cm high. Elongated smooth leaves form a rosette at the root. The flowers are large, blue, located at the top of the stem.

Alpine gentian plantings form a continuous carpet

Pulmonary

Decorative perennial, the height of which reaches 55 cm. The stems are erect, not branched, densely leafy. Narrow elongated leaves (about 7 cm) of the plant are located oppositely along the entire stem.

The dark blue bells of the flowers are found singly or in pairs at the top of the stem and also at the base of the upper leaves. The root is short, wide with a small number of cord-like processes. The flowering period of this species occurs at the end of summer.

The inflorescence consists of 1-2 flowers

Stemless

A perennial, low (about 10 cm), herbaceous, medicinal ornamental plant, which is characterized by the complete absence of a stem. Smooth, oval, elongated, slightly bent along the longitudinal line leaves are surrounded by peduncles growing from a rosette at the root. The shade of the leaf blades is bright green.

Erect flower baskets of blue or dark blue color are large (5 cm), single. Flowering begins in May or early June.

In nature, stemless gentian can be found in the foothills or mountains of Western European countries.

Stemless gentian may seem to be growing straight out of the ground.

Daurskaya

Decorative, medium-sized (40 cm) perennial. Stems are erect or erect. Long, smooth leaves grow from the root region. The leaf blades located on the stems are much shorter.Bell-shaped blue flower baskets crown the crown of the stem and are also located in the axils of the upper leaves.

Daurian gentian will bloom by the end of summer

Yellow

This species is the tallest of all members of the family. Erect stems grow up to 1.5 m. Elongated, green leaf blades are located opposite. They are large at the root and smaller on the stems. Flowering is abundant. Small (3.5 cm) yellow flowers are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem and in the axils located towards the top of the leaves.

The root is short, wide with a large number of thin shoots.

Yellow gentiana blooms in July and August.

The yellow variety of gentian is frost-resistant and does not require shelter.

Medicinal properties and contraindications of gentian herb

Certain types of gentian herb are characterized as medicinal, which makes it possible to use them in both traditional and alternative medicine. Medicines prepared from different parts of gentian are used as antipyretic, sedative, antibacterial, antioxidant, choleretic, and antiparasitic.

Some substances present in the plant are characterized as biologically active. They help increase blood pressure and increase the frequency of contractions of the heart muscle, help normalize the functioning of organs, breathing and the digestive system.

Many specimens, in particular large-leaved gentian, have both medicinal properties and contraindications. Before taking medications made from the gentian herb, you should consult a doctor.

Composition and value of the plant

The healing properties of gentiana are determined by the presence in the roots, stems, flowers and leaves of bitter substances called “glycosides”, which increase appetite and normalize the functioning of the digestive organs. Another positive quality of glycosides is that they can act as antispasmodics, which makes it possible to use the plant as a pain reliever.

In addition to glycosides, the roots contain alkaloids, aromatic oils, resins, as well as tannins, vitamin C, inulin and pectins. In addition, the gentian root system contains some sugars.

All parts of the plant are used to make medicines

What diseases does it help with?

For the first time, healers of Ancient Egypt began to use gentiana to get rid of various ailments. Considering the healing properties of gentian roots, medicines prepared from them were given to people with ailments of the gastrointestinal tract; they were used to treat cramps, wounds and bruises. During the Middle Ages, the roots of yellow gentiana were used in the treatment of patients with plague and tuberculosis. These medications helped with fever and intestinal disorders.

Gentiana became widespread as a medicinal herb in the Carpathians. In this area it was used to treat colds, stomach and lung diseases. In addition, gentian medicine was used as a general tonic and anthelmintic. It was given to people suffering from heartburn, diarrhea, gout, some types of arthritis, scurvy, and hepatitis.

Modern proponents of alternative medicine argue that:

• a decoction prepared from the roots of tricolor gentiana helps to normalize the functioning of the stomach and intestines and increase appetite;
• the leaves of the plant help stop bleeding and also heal purulent wounds;
• an infusion from the vegetative parts of gentiana helps improve the psycho-emotional state, helps cope with neuroses, and is used as an adjuvant in the treatment of gastritis and cholecystitis;
• remedies prepared from the roots of gentian cruciform are given to people suffering from ailments of the kidneys and genitourinary system;
• Pulmonary gentiana is used in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system, and also as an anthelmintic medicine.

Application in medicine

Gentianine, present in the plant, has antitussive, antibacterial, sedative, and antipyretic properties. This makes it possible to use gentian in medicine as an adjuvant for the treatment of bacterial and viral infections.

In addition, preparations with an extract of this plant are used in medicine:

• to increase the overall tone of the body;
• for the treatment of diseases of the stomach, liver, and gallbladder;
• to eliminate manifestations of hypotension and bradycardia;
• as an antiparasitic medicine;
• to normalize stool and get rid of flatulence;
• to get rid of anemia, heartburn and diathesis;
• as an adjuvant in the treatment of tuberculosis infection, malaria and cancer.

Recipes for decoctions, infusions, tinctures

Tinctures or decoctions are made from gentiana.

For the decoction:

• 2 tbsp. l.dry leaves or roots are crushed, poured with a glass of water, brought to a boil and kept on fire for 10 minutes;
• remove the broth and leave under a tight lid for about an hour;
• the prepared product is filtered through cheesecloth.

The tincture is made in two ways.

On vodka:

• 2 tbsp. l. dried raw materials are poured with 150 ml of wheat vodka;
• leave to infuse for a day in a dark, ventilated place;
• the finished infusion is filtered through cheesecloth, after which it is used in the treatment of diseases.

On wine:

• 2 tbsp. l. dry parts of the plant are poured with 350 ml of wine (preferably red);
• leave for 1 month in an unlit, ventilated place;
• filter and use as directed.

For decoctions and tinctures it is better to use dry herbs

Admission rules

Medications based on gentian should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor and strictly in the doses prescribed by him. The maximum daily dose of alcohol tincture should not exceed 30 drops. In case of overdose, side effects may occur - redness of the skin, headaches and dizziness.

Contraindications for taking gentian

Despite its positive properties, gentian herb, like all medicinal plants, has contraindications:

• Doctors categorically do not advise patients with hypertension and tachycardia to take medications containing an extract of this plant;
• You should stop taking such medications if gallstone disease develops; gentiana has a choleretic property, which can cause small stones to come out and get stuck in the ducts;
• Such drugs should be used with caution if you have a stomach or duodenal ulcer.

Application in landscape design

The decorative nature of the plant makes it possible to use it to decorate garden plots. Gentian, as can be seen in the photo of flowers in a flower bed, looks good in group and single plantings. When decorating mono-beds, tall flowers (sweet and yellow gentian) are placed in the center, and low-growing flowers are placed at the edges. Other medicinal herbs - elecampane, sage, chamomile, lemon balm - will be good neighbors in common plantings for gentiana.

Dinaric, alpine, and cross-shaped gentian are good to use when decorating borders and alpine slides.

Stemless gentian and other low-growing species will look advantageous in flower beds and rocky hills next to primroses, saxifrage and other low flowering plants.

Alternatively, low species can be placed in flowerpots and hanging flower pots to decorate terraces and gazebos.

The flower looks good in collective plantings

Features of reproduction

Gentian is a wild plant, but it is also grown in private garden plots.

There are 2 methods of plant propagation: seed and vegetative (cuttings, layering, or dividing the bush into daughter rosettes).

Seeds are sown immediately in unprotected soil (spring or autumn) or in special containers for seedlings (late February or March).

Dividing the bush is not a suitable method for every type of gentian.Certain varieties of this plant are painful even when replanting. Therefore, it is better to use daughter rosettes for propagation. To obtain them in the fall, the root zone is covered with an additional layer of soil and mulch, and with the arrival of spring, a part of the bush along with a lump of soil is cut off with a sharp shovel and transferred to another place.

Early flowering gentian is propagated by cuttings. To do this, before flowering, several plant cuttings (20 cm) are prepared and planted in moist, fertile soil.

For layering, one of the plant stems is bent to the ground and dug in. If you follow the rules of care and proper watering, the cuttings will take root by September, after which it can be replanted.

Cuttings will take root in 1 month

How to grow gentian seedlings from seeds

Before sowing gentian, the seeds are stratified, that is, kept for 2 months in a cold room with good ventilation.

After this, the seed material is planted in a special container, deepened by about 1 cm.

Soil for seedlings can be purchased from a specialized trading company or prepared independently by combining 3 parts of peat and garden soil with 1 part of river sand.

The container is covered with film to create a greenhouse effect. With the emergence of seedlings, the shelter is removed.

The container with planting material is placed in a lighted place

Planting and caring for gentian in open ground

The algorithm for planting seedlings in open soil and subsequent plant care is almost the same as for other flowering plants. However, there are some nuances.

Recommended timing

Seedlings are planted in unprotected soil when the ground warms up to 10 °C. This is April or May.

Soil selection and preparation

The soil for growing gentian is selected similar to that in which it feels good in the wild. So, for example, calcareous soil is more suitable for Dinaric gentian, slightly acidic stony soil is more suitable for stemless gentian, and simply acidic soil is more suitable for Chinese decorated gentian.

The area chosen for planting is cleared of weeds, dug up and fertilized.

Some varieties like bright places

Landing algorithm

During the process of planting seedlings:

• make holes of such a size that a seedling with a lump of root soil can easily fit in them;
• place the seedlings in the center of the hole and cover them with soil;
• The plants are watered and the soil in the root zone is mulched.

Watering and fertilizing

The plant loves moisture, for this reason it will require regular watering. This is especially important during the dry season. To better retain moisture, the soil in the root zone is covered with mulch.

If gentian grows on fertile soil, there is no special need for fertilizing. It will be enough to add peat and a small amount of organic matter to the soil in the spring.

Gentian growing in a not particularly fertile area is fed with mineral complex fertilizers

Weeding and loosening

It is recommended to loosen the soil in the area where gentian is planted after each watering. Weeds are removed as they appear.

Preparing for winter

Gentiana is a frost-resistant plant, for this reason it does not need special shelter from the winter cold. Towards the end of autumn, the above-ground parts of the gentian are removed, and the roots are covered with fallen leaves.

Pests and diseases

The plant is resistant to many diseases characteristic of herbaceous perennials. However, high humidity (rainy season) and insufficient ventilation (growing in a winter garden or greenhouse) can cause the development of fungal diseases:

1. Gray rot. The main sign of the disease is the appearance of gray or brown spots on the vegetative parts of the plant. Gray rot cannot be cured, so the affected plants are simply removed, and the remaining ones are sprayed with fungicidal preparations to prevent infection.
   
   

   Gray rot affects leaves and flowers

2. Rust. This disease is characterized by the appearance of yellow-brown spots on the vegetative parts of the plant. At an early stage of the disease, the affected parts of the plant are removed and burned, and the remaining parts are treated with Bordeaux mixture.
   
   

   Ignoring the first symptoms of rust can cause the death of the plant.

Attracts gentian and pests:

1. Slugs. These pests do not mind eating gentian flowers and leaves. In the process of pest control, special traps are used or collected manually.
   
   

   Slugs only eat the vegetative parts of the plant.

2. Ants. They do not cause much harm to the plant, but the decorative appearance of gentian suffers from their presence.To destroy red ants, you can use folk remedies - garlic sap, birch tar, hot water.
   
   

   It is better to use insecticides to kill ants.

3. Thrips. The presence of insects can be determined by the appearance of discolored areas on the green parts of the plant. You can cope with pests by treating the gentian with insecticides.
   
   

   Thrips feed on leaf sap

Conclusion

Gentian is a herbaceous plant for open ground that has earned the love of gardeners for its decorative and healing properties. The variety of plant species makes it possible to choose a flower to your liking, and the ease of care allows you to grow it on your site without any problems.

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