Gentians

Gentians can be fussy, but the crested variety is hardy and easy.

Bright Blue Garden Hues 2010

It may be planted in either vegetable or loamy soil -- the common border seems to suit it; it spreads much faster than any of the other Gentians I know, with the exception of _G. acaulis_, and it is in broad masses one sees it to greatest advantage.

Hardy Perennials and Old Fashioned Flowers Describing the Most Desirable Plants, for Borders, Rockeries, and Shrubberies. John Wood

Gentians, _pyrolas_, calthas, and even the bog pimpernel I have long grown so.

Hardy Perennials and Old Fashioned Flowers Describing the Most Desirable Plants, for Borders, Rockeries, and Shrubberies. John Wood

In a cut state it is exquisite, but those who properly value the Gentians, especially the slow growers, will hardly care to cut away the stems, as, by doing so, not only will the plant be checked, but next year's growth will prove reduced in both number and vigour.

Hardy Perennials and Old Fashioned Flowers Describing the Most Desirable Plants, for Borders, Rockeries, and Shrubberies. John Wood

A flat stone will form a good substitute for a damp situation if placed over the roots; besides, such a method of growing this and others of the tall Gentians will allow of their being planted on rockwork, or otherwise, near the more frequented walks, where they must always prove pleasing from their bold and shining foliage, to say nothing of their striking flowers.

Hardy Perennials and Old Fashioned Flowers Describing the Most Desirable Plants, for Borders, Rockeries, and Shrubberies. John Wood

Its height seldom exceeds 10in., and it is to be commended because it is one of the Gentians that are easily grown, and is handsome withal.

Hardy Perennials and Old Fashioned Flowers Describing the Most Desirable Plants, for Borders, Rockeries, and Shrubberies. John Wood

Gentians need plenty of free air, and some of them moisture at the roots.

Gardening for the Million Alfred Pink

Author of “The Gift of Gentians, ” 1882; “The Inn of Rest, ” 1888; “Sometime and Other Poems, ” 1892.

Biographical Notes. Jessie B 1922

Gentians and buttercups, too, have their own nurseries.

Jonah and Co. Dornford Yates 1922

While recruiting his health in the high Alps, his interest was aroused by the Gentians, and he wrote a valuable paper on their morphology and distribution.

Thomas Henry Huxley Huxley, Leonard, 1860-1933 1920