- Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 10 - 12 Inches
- Mature Spread 10 - 18 Inches
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
Blue Cross Gentian (Gentiana cruciata 'Blue Cross') is an eye-catching, herbaceous perennial with intense true-blue flowers that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other important pollinators. It grows 12” in height and up to 12” - 18” wide. Clusters of creamy-white buds open to vivid blue flowers all along their graceful arching stems, creating a stunning bicolor effect. You’ll enjoy months of gorgeous color from mid-summer to early fall.
Blue Cross Gentian has a higher drought tolerance than other varieties. It has a full, compact habit. This perennial is perfect when used in rock gardens or at the front of a mixed border. It's an easy-to-care-for variety that is hardy in zones 3-7.
Blue Cross Gentian Care
Plant Blue Cross in full sun or a partial sun location, making sure it receives 4-6 hours of direct sun per day. This plant requires well-draining soil, whether planted in the landscape or in containers; it is more tolerant of drought conditions. Blue Cross Gentians aren’t fond of their roots being disturbed, so transplanting should be avoided once the plant has established itself.
Pruning isn’t necessary. You can add a couple of inches of organic mulch over the root zone the first winter after it's planted. Divide Blue Cross Gentian in large clumps in early spring just when you see new growth appear.
Blue Cross Gentian Spacing
Blue Cross is beautiful as an accent plant, in the front of a mixed perennial bed, along pathways, in rock gardens, and in container plantings. Plant Blue Cross Gentian plants roughly 1 ft. apart to allow for its mature width.
Blue Cross Gentian Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
Plant Type: Perennial |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 10 - 12 Inches |
Mature Spread: 10 - 18 Inches |
Spacing: 10 - 18 Inches |
Habit: Mounded |
Flower Color(s): Blue |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: August To September |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering |
Watering: Low |
Resists: Deer, Rabbit, Disease, Pests & Insects |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Containers |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Blue Cross Gentian |
Other Name(s): Blue Cross Gentian |
Scientific Name: Gentiana 'Blue Cross' |
- SKU:
- 1231007382-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.