Gentian Gentiana 'Diana' (PBR)
ABOUT
Gentiana 'Diana' is a striking perennial known for its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage. This plant boasts a cluster of upright, trumpet-shaped flowers that are deep blue in color. The intensity of the blue is quite eye-catching, often with lighter or white patterns inside the throat adding contrast and interest to the already beautiful blooms. These flowers emerge in bunches, creating a stunning display against the backdrop of the foliage. The leaves of Gentiana 'Diana' are lance-shaped and have a lush green hue, providing a rich tapestry of color throughout its growing season. The texture of the leaves may be somewhat glossy, catching the light and contributing to the plant's overall luminous quality. The contrast between the dark green leaves and the deep blue flowers is particularly dramatic and is a part of what makes this plant a standout in any garden setting. Though compact and seemingly delicate in appearance, Gentiana 'Diana' is a hardy plant that maintains its structural integrity throughout its blooming period. It forms a mounded clump, and the leaves stay close to the base of the plant, with the flowers rising gracefully above them. Its appearance can add visual interest to gardens, serving as a beautiful ornamental addition for gardeners looking to add a splash of strong color and a touch of elegance to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Gentianaceae
Synonyms
Gentian Diana, Diana Gentian
Common names
Gentiana 'Diana' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Gentian 'Diana' is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. Most gentians are considered non-toxic, and some species have even been used historically for their medicinal properties. However, it's always prudent to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants due to potential individual allergies or unknown sensitivities.
To pets
Gentian 'Diana', much like its relation to humans, is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, and there are no widespread reports of adverse effects from ingestion. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion by pets should still be discouraged to prevent any potential gastrointestinal upset or an unexpected allergic reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: The Gentiana 'Diana' features vibrant blue flowers that can add a splash of color to any garden or landscape.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep beyond the basics of watering and occasional fertilization.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite tolerant of drought conditions, making it suitable for areas with water restrictions.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollinating other plants in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides seasonal interest with its late summer to autumn flowering period.
- Compact Growth: Gentle 'Diana' has a compact growth habit, making it ideal for areas with limited space or for container planting.
- Cold Hardy: This plant is capable of withstanding colder climates, making it a robust addition to many gardens.
- Deer Resistance: It is generally resistant to deer, so it is less likely to be damaged by wildlife in areas where deer are present.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Gentiana 'Diana' can be used in creating natural dyes for textile coloring, with shades varying depending on the mordant used.
- The roots of Gentiana 'Diana' may be incorporated into perfumery for their unique earthy and slightly bitter scent notes.
- Dried Gentiana 'Diana' flowers can serve as an addition to potpourris, adding color and subtle fragrance to the mixture.
- This plant's striking flowers can be used in artistic photography, particularly macro photography, to capture the intricate details and vibrant colors.
- Gentiana 'Diana' could potentially be used in the craft of flower pressing, creating delicate pressed flowers for use in scrapbooking or decorative art.
- The plant can serve an educational purpose in botany classes for demonstrating plant structure, pollination, and growth habits.
- In culinary arts, the flowers of Gentiana 'Diana' may be crystallized as edible decorations for cakes and desserts.
- The long stems and bright blooms make Gentiana 'Diana' a wonderful candidate for creating homemade natural inks for calligraphy or drawing.
- Gentiana 'Diana' may be used in the practice of flower reading or floriography, where different flowers convey unique messages or sentiments.
- As part of a sensory garden, this plant's vivid color and delicate structure can contribute to the visual stimulation sought in such landscapes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Gentian is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Gentian is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Persistence and Strength: The Gentian belongs to a group of plants known for their ability to thrive in difficult conditions, which symbolize resilience and enduring through challenges.
- Victory and Triumph: Due to its association with medicinal benefits and overcoming illness, the Gentian is often seen as a symbol of conquest and success.
- Attraction and Magnetism: Its striking blue flowers can represent the power of attraction, making it symbolic of the force that draws people together.
- Love and Affection: In some cultures, the Gentian is given as a gift to convey feelings of deep love, commitment, and appreciation.
WaterThe Gentiana 'Diana', commonly known as the Diana Gentian, should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Aim to water this plant about once a week during the growing season, adjusting for rainfall and changes in temperature. During hot or dry spells, you may need to water twice a week. Generally, provide about 1 gallon of water per plant during each watering session to ensure the soil is moistened thoroughly. During dormant periods in winter, reduce watering to every few weeks, or whenever the soil is dry to the touch several inches down.
LightDiana Gentian thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, but can also tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Plant it in a spot that gets morning sunlight and dappled afternoon light for optimal growth.
TemperatureDiana Gentian prefers temperatures that range between 50°F and 70°F. However, it can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F. Its ideal growing conditions are in cooler summer climates with moderate temperatures and it can struggle with prolonged heat above 80°F.
PruningPruning the Diana Gentian helps to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess. Prune back the spent flowers after blooming to promote a second flush of flowers. Pruning is typically done in late summer or early fall, after the main flowering period has ended. Remove any damaged or dead stems in early spring to maintain plant health and appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Diana Gentian should be well-draining and loamy with some organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingDiana Gentian should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container, ideally in the spring.
Humidity & MistingDiana Gentian thrives in average room humidity; it does not require high humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Gentiana 'Diana', commonly known as gentian, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in well-draining soil and given appropriate moisture and light conditions, germinates. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops true leaves, gradually growing into a young plant through the vegetative stage. As the plant matures, it undergoes vernalization, a period of cold exposure necessary to initiate the flowering process. The mature gentian then blooms, typically in late summer to autumn, showcasing vibrant blue trumpet-shaped flowers that attract pollinators for fertilization. After pollination, the plant sets seed, which can be collected or naturally dispersed for the cycle to continue. Eventually, as winter approaches, the aboveground parts of the perennial Gentiana 'Diana' die back, while the roots survive to sprout again in the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Gentiana 'Diana', also known as Gentian 'Diana', is by division. This process is typically done in the spring or early fall. The first step involves carefully lifting the plant from the ground with as much of the root ball intact as possible. Once the plant is out of the soil, gardeners examine the root system for natural divisions and gently tease apart the sections, each with a portion of the roots and shoots. These divisions should then be replanted promptly in well-prepared soil, spaced approximately 12 inches (roughly 30.5 centimeters) apart to allow ample room for growth. Watering the new divisions thoroughly helps establish them in their new location. This method is efficient and maintains the characteristics of the parent plant, making it a preferred choice among gardeners who wish to expand their Gentian 'Diana' collection or share with others.
