Gentiana paradoxa

Gentiana paradoxa, the Caucasian gentian,^[3] is a species of flowering plant in the family Gentianaceae, endemic to the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains in western Asia, near the Black Sea.^[4] A compact, mat-forming herbaceous perennial growing to 20 cm (7.9 in) tall and wide, its upright stems of grass-like, linear or lanceolate leaves bear clusters of 5 or 6 large, brilliant blue and white flowers in late summer. It is one of several species of gentians that are valued in cultivation for the unusual bright blue colour of their blooms. However, it is not particularly easy to grow, requiring moist, well-drained, lime-free soil and a position in full sun. It is quite rare in nature.^[4]

Gentiana paradoxa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Gentianales
Family:	Gentianaceae
Genus:	Gentiana
Species:	G. paradoxa
Binomial name
Gentiana paradoxa Albov[1][2]

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^[3][5]

Gallery

• 
• 
  Viote Alpine Botanical Garden
•