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Description
Gentiana Decora, commonly known as the Blue Gentian or Showy Gentian, is a beautiful perennial plant that belongs to the Gentianaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found growing in many regions, including the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains. The plant produces stunning, deep blue trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. The flowers are a favorite of butterflies and bees, making it an excellent addition to any garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Dicotyledonae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Gentianaceae |
| Genus | Gentiana |
Appearance
Gentiana Decora is a clump-forming plant that typically grows to be around 1-2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are ovate and grow up to 4 inches long. The plant produces beautiful, deep blue flowers that are trumpet-shaped and can grow up to 2 inches long. The flowers bloom in late summer and early fall and are held upright on sturdy stems. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Care Guide
To care for Gentiana Decora, you should provide the plant with moist, well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent the plant from drying out. Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gentiana Decora is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it is susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged.
Habitat
Gentiana Decora is native to North America and can be found growing in many regions, including the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant is often found growing in meadows, prairies, and open woodlands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Gentiana Decora a hardy plant?
A: Yes, Gentiana Decora is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Q: What is the best soil for Gentiana Decora?
A: Gentiana Decora prefers moist, well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I water Gentiana Decora?
A: Gentiana Decora prefers consistently moist soil, so water it regularly to prevent it from drying out.
Q: When does Gentiana Decora bloom?
A: Gentiana Decora blooms in late summer and early fall.
Related Plants
- Gentiana acaulis
- Gentiana asclepiadea
- Gentiana cruciata
- Gentiana lutea
References
- “Gentiana Decora,” Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=n240
- “Gentiana Decora,” Plant Database, Dave’s Garden, https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1661/
- “Gentiana Decora,” North Carolina State University, https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/gentiana-decora/
