Gentian

True Blue gentian (Gentiana 'True Blue' PP20433) is an upright, clump-forming perennial with large tubular blue flowers that open along the stems. It blooms from midsummer into early fall and brings a strong vertical accent to the middle of a sunny or partly shaded border. ## Garden use Use it in borders or cut-flower plantings, allowing 12 to 18 inches between plants. Proven Winners lists a mature height of 24 to 30 inches and USDA zones 4 through 7; the plant patent describes an 18- to 30-inch height and an average 18-inch spread. ## Growing conditions Grow in ordinary, fertile garden soil that drains well and stays evenly moist during the growing season. This is not an alpine gentian, and wet winter soil should be avoided. Provide sun or part shade. ## Maintenance Keep moisture steady while the plant is actively growing, but do not leave it waterlogged in winter. Divide or refresh established clumps only if they become crowded. This named selection was introduced as Gentiana 'True Blue'. Sources: [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/gentiana/true-blue-gentiana-hybrid) and [US Plant Patent USPP20433P2](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP20433P2/en).