Gentiana scabra Zuki-rindo - Japanese Gentian

Gentiana scabra 'Zuki-Rindo' is a compact perennial plant with low growth, which offers astonishing bell-shaped flowers in late summer, in a deep pink colour. Very hardy, this alpine plant appreciates partial shade or morning sun, an acidic, humus-bearing, moist, and well-drained soil. It will make a statement in a rock garden, a border, or even in a beautiful pot on a terrace.

From the Gentianaceae family, the Gentiana scabra or Japanese gentian is native to mid-altitude meadows and moist rocky slopes in Asia. It grows naturally in China, Japan, Korea, and Russia (Mongolia). The 'Zuki-Rindo' variety forms a cushion, slightly mat-forming, used as a ground cover. Its stems are erect and bear large trumpet-shaped flowers from August to October, or even November, facing the sun. Magenta in buds, they open up in a beautiful dark violet-rose color. They bloom in the axils of the leaves or in terminal clusters, almost completely covering the foliage. Its leaves are semi-evergreen in winter, persisting in mild climates. Dark green, they are lanceolate, slightly pointed, rough, measuring about 4 to 6 cm (2in) long. They can turn orange in autumn. With slow growth, this gentian does not exceed 25 cm (10in) in height and 30 cm (12in) in width.

To successfully cultivate this mountain perennial, provide it with the best conditions: avoid scorching sun and plant it in an acidic, rich, moist soil without excessive humidity. If your summers are hot and dry, this is not the plant for you. It can be grown in the ground or in a pot. It will work wonders to adorn a wall, a rock garden, a slope, or even a border. This Gentiana scabra 'Zuki-Rindo' can be paired, in a flower bed or rock garden, with Sagina subulata with small white flowers, helxine with fresh green foliage, or even White Magic gentian with white flowers for a checkerboard effect.