Strathmore Gentian Gentiana 'Strathmore'

Water

Strathmore Gentian prefers consistently moist soil, so it's important to water it regularly. During the growing season (spring and summer), water the Strathmore Gentian around once a week with approximately one gallon of water for a mature plant, adjusting for rainfall, to maintain moist soil. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to every two weeks or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Light

Strathmore Gentian thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideally, position the plant where it will receive morning sunlight and partial shade during the intense heat of the afternoon. This gentian variety can benefit from some protection from the hottest part of the day, so a spot that offers dappled sunlight can also be suitable.

Temperature

Strathmore Gentian is hardy and can generally tolerate temperatures ranging from 20°F to 80°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50°F and 70°F. It's crucial to avoid extreme heat or cold, as temperatures below 20°F or above 80°F could damage the plant or impede its growth.

Pruning

Pruning Strathmore Gentian can encourage bushier growth and more vigorous blooms. Trim back dead or faded flowers throughout the blooming season to promote continuous flowering. In early spring, before new growth begins, prune back any dead or damaged stems to maintain the plant's shape and health. Pruning is typically done annually or as needed to remove dead foliage.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Strathmore gentian thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 5 to 7. A mix of peat, loamy garden soil, and perlite can create an ideal environment, offering good aeration and moisture retention.

Repotting

Strathmore gentian should generally be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best done in spring before new growth starts.

Humidity & Misting

The Strathmore gentian prefers moderate to high humidity levels, around 50-70%, which mimics its native alpine environment.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and maintain cool temperatures.

• Outdoor

  Partial shade, sheltered spot, keep soil consistently moist.

• Hardiness zone

  4-7 USDA

Life cycle

The Strathmore Gentian typically starts its life cycle as a seed, which, once sown in fertile, well-draining soil and with adequate chilling to break dormancy, will germinate and develop into a small rosette of basal leaves. As it matures, the plant then produces upright stems and elongated leaves during its vegetative growth phase, which occurs in spring to early summer. Following this, the Strathmore Gentian enters its flowering stage in mid to late summer, showcasing its distinctive trumpet-shaped, deep blue flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit capsules containing numerous small seeds, which, when fully ripened, are dispersed by wind or other means. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in the fall and winter, conserving energy and surviving off stored nutrients until the next growing season. During dormancy, the above-ground part of the plant may die back, with the perennial root system surviving underground to sprout again once conditions are favorable.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Gentiana 'Strathmore', commonly known as the Gentian, is typically propagated by seed. The most popular method involves sowing seeds as this allows for the production of a large number of plants. To propagate Gentians by seed, one would usually sow the seeds in the fall, to allow for a natural stratification process which happens when seeds are exposed to the cold of winter, which in turn helps to break their dormancy. If a stratification period is needed outside of the natural season, seeds can be placed in a refrigerator for several weeks. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix, lightly covered with soil, and kept moist until germination, which can take several weeks to months. It's important to provide the seeds with cool temperatures and some shade to prevent them from drying out and to mimic the natural conditions they prefer for germination.