Gentiana sino‑ornata
An autumn‑flowering Chinese gentian prized for brilliant true blue trumpets. It forms low mats and extends stems that bloom from September into October in cool climates. Best performance comes in acidic, humus‑rich, free‑draining soil kept evenly moist. Plants resent lime in soil or irrigation water and dislike heat combined with drought.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: autumn Chinese gentian
- Height × spread: 4-6 in (10-15 cm) × 12-18 in (30-45 cm)
- Bloom window: September to October
- Color & flower form: intense blue, trumpet‑shaped, often striped outside
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: zones 5-7
- Breeder / Year / Origin: Balfour f., 1918, China
- Pet safety: unknown
How it differs
- Autumn bloom compared with spring or summer species.
- Requires acidic soil and fails quickly in alkaline conditions.
- Prostrate, mat‑forming habit that suits troughs and edges.
- Sensitive to drought and high heat compared with border hybrids.
Strengths
- Brilliant late‑season blue display.
- Compact habit for containers and rock gardens.
- Reliable where soils are acidic and moist yet free‑draining.
Care in one minute
- Place in full sun in cool climates; provide light shade where summers are hot.
- Use acidic, humus‑rich, well‑drained soil; avoid lime.
- Keep soil evenly moist with rainwater where tap water is hard.
- Top‑dress with leaf mold or compost in spring.
- Divide gently in spring to renew sparse clumps.
Watch‑outs
- Lime in soil or water can cause rapid decline.
- Cannot tolerate drought; needs even moisture.
- High heat and humidity reduce flowering.
Best uses (tags)
rock gardens, containers, edging, late season
Provenance note
Native to alpine meadows and open forests of Sichuan and Yunnan; described by I. Balfour in 1918.
References
- RHS – Gentiana ‘True Blue’ page (for genus details) and RHS plant profiles
- North American Rock Garden Society – Gentiana sino‑ornata profile
- Kew synonymy note for Gentiana sino‑ornata
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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