Willow gentian
This is a clump forming herbaceous perennial native to central and southern Europe which is rather easier to grow than some of the other more temperamental and demanding bog, alpine or mountain growing species. It likes to grow in shady sites alongside ferns and grasses that enjoy similar situations.
G. asclepidea grows to between 2 and 3ft in maturity and spreads as a clump to around half this height. It has erect then arching stem with willow-like lance shaped leaves. In mid to late summer these produce clusters of two or three trumpet shaped blue flowers.
The roots can be divided in spring or offsets can be gently removed from these plants to create new clumps.
