Description and General Information:
This gentian is endemic to Pakistan and Kashmir where is grows among rocks at 8000-14,000 feet. Plants have many trailing stems 10-20 cm. The paired leaves are ovate. Stems terminate in a solitary, deep blue, trumpet-shaped flower that is 3.5-4.5 cm long. In the wild it blooms August to October.
Blooming Time:
July in long summer regions to September in more northern areas.
Cultivation:
Full sun is preferred although in warmer regions, afternoon shade may be appreciated. The soil should be well-drained but retain some moisture. Some organic material is good as it helps maintain acidic conditions which are preferred by this species. It is hardy to zone 4.
Propagation:
Like most gentian species, seed is the preferred method of propagation. This species requires 8-12 weeks of stratification. The easiest way to accommodate this is by sowing the seeds in the late autumn and leaving them outside over the winter. This species is slow from seed and may take 3-4 years before flowering commences.