Gentiana Gelida

Gentiana gelida is a cold-loving perennial from the mountains between north-eastern Turkey and Afghanistan. Upright stems rise from a basal rosette and carry pale cream to yellowish tubular flowers, often delicately striped, spotted or flushed with violet and green within. The restrained colouring is unusual in a genus celebrated for blue and is especially effective against dark rock or gravel. Naturally associated with subalpine meadows and high stony slopes, it requires cool summers, reliable moisture and excellent drainage, making it a choice plant for an alpine house or sheltered scree.