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Gentiana sino-ornata
autumn Chinese gentian · Balfour f., 1918, China
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)
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
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