Gentiana Ligustica

Gentiana ligustica is a compact trumpet gentian endemic to the Ligurian and Maritime Alps of France and Italy. Leathery leaves form low rosettes from which solitary, intensely blue-violet trumpets rise in spring and early summer, their long pointed lobes opening above a paler throat. It is closely related to Gentiana clusii but differs in its calyx and restricted western Alpine range. Naturally found in mountain grassland and rocky limestone places, it is a superb but exacting trough plant for cool, sunny conditions, steady moisture and sharply drained calcareous soil.