Botanical name:

Gentiana bellidifolia 

Common name(s):

Gentian

About:

This species typically grows to about 15 cm tall, featuring branching stems adorned with narrow, oblong leaves that exhibit a deep green to reddish green colouration. The attractive white flowers are borne just above the lush foliage during the warm months, from mid-summer to autumn. It is considered one of the more commonly encountered species in the region, often found in subalpine and alpine grasslands extending from Pureora southward. This plant prefers to have a cool root run, which contributes to its overall health and vitality.

Natural habitat: 

Subalpine to alpine in tussock grasslands, herb-fields and fell-fields

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand North and South Islands from Pureora south.

Height: 15cm

Flowering:  

February – April with a white coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

March - June

Uses: 

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings

How to grow:

Difficult. Should not be removed from the wild. When in flower they are charming and beautiful but are really plants for the specialist alpine grower, requiring a deep moist peaty and rather gritty soil. Propagation usually by seed.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though