Crested gentian

Description

Gentiana septemfida, the crested gentian or summer gentian, is a species of flowering plant in the family Gentianaceae, native to the Caucasus and Turkey. It is a low-growing herbaceous perennial growing to 15–20 cm (6–8 in) tall by 30 cm (12 in) wide, bearing up to eight bright blue trumpet-shaped blooms in summer, with striped interiors. It requires a rich, moist soil and full sun. The Latin specific epithet septemfida means "with seven divisions". In cultivation this plant and the darker-flowered variety G. septemfida var. lagodechiana have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.