Blue Cross Gentian

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-18 Inches

Mature Spread

6-18 Inches

Growing Zones

3 to 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.