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Description
Gentiana Pumila, also known as Dwarf Gentian, is a small perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Gentianaceae family. It is native to the alpine and subalpine regions of Europe and Asia, and it is commonly found in the wild in mountainous areas. The plant features bright blue flowers that bloom in late summer or early fall and can grow up to 10 cm tall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Gentianaceae |
| Genus | Gentiana |
Appearance
Gentiana Pumila has a small, compact growth habit and typically grows up to 10 cm tall. The leaves are dark green, lanceolate, and grow in dense rosettes at the base of the stem. The stem is unbranched, and the flowers are solitary, bright blue, and trumpet-shaped with five petals. The flowers bloom in late summer or early fall and can last for several weeks.
Care Guide
Gentiana Pumila is a hardy plant that can tolerate harsh growing conditions. For optimal growth, follow these care guidelines:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the fall.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and again in midsummer.
- Soil: Grow in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Amend heavy clay soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade. Avoid planting in areas with intense afternoon sun.
- Hardiness Zones: Gentiana Pumila is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gentiana Pumila is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to the following:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap out of the plant and cause stunted growth. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control.
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can eat the foliage and flowers. Use bait or handpick them to control.
- Crown Rot: This fungal disease can cause the plant to wilt and die. Avoid overwatering and plant in well-draining soil to prevent.
Habitat
Gentiana Pumila is native to the alpine and subalpine regions of Europe and Asia, where it grows in rocky, well-draining soil. It is commonly found in the wild in mountainous areas, such as the Alps, Carpathians, and Pyrenees. It can also be grown in rock gardens and alpine troughs.
Questions and Answers
Q: How often should I water Gentiana Pumila?
A: Water deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the fall.
Q: Is Gentiana Pumila a hardy plant?
A: Yes, it is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7.
Q: Can Gentiana Pumila be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How do I propagate Gentiana Pumila?
A: It can be propagated by seed or division in the spring.
Related Plants
- Gentiana Acaulis
- Gentiana Clusii
- Gentiana Verna
References
- “Gentiana Pumila.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f230.
- “Gentiana Pumila.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/5517/gentiana-pumila/details.
- “Gentiana Pumila.” The Alpine Garden Society, www.alpinegardensociety.net/plants/gentiana/pumila/.
