Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
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 Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 3 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 6-18 Inches
- Mature Spread
- 6-18 Inches
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Blue
- Flower Description
- Blue
- Bloom Time
- Mid-Summer to Fall
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Herbaceous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Blue Cross Gentian
- Also Known As
- Blue Cross Gentian
- Botanical Name
- Gentiana 'Blue Cross'
- Plant Type
- Perennial
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
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.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!