Zones 3–7
pruning Poorly branched plants may
be cut back by half when they reach 6
in. tall to encourage side branching.
Most flower buds will occur at the tips
of the stems. In winter, the
straw-colored plants with their
interesting seedpods remain moder-
ately attractive, and cleanup may be
put off until early spring or until
plants lose their modest charms.
other maintenance Native to
moist meadows of the Northeast and
Midwest, bottle gentian prefers a
fertile, organic soil that doesn’t dry out
for long periods. Mulch plants to
conserve moisture. Full sun promotes
the most prolific flowering, but
afternoon shade is appreciated in hot
climates, where this species may
struggle. Bottle gentian develops a
taproot and division is not
recommended.
Gentiana septemfida
var. lagodechiana
summer gentian
gentianaceae
Upward-facing, cobalt-blue flowers; low
mound of smooth green leaves
4–8 in. high; 12–18 in. wide
Full sun–part shade
Blooms July–September
Zones 4–7
pruning Summer gentian doesn’t
reseed much (though you may wish it
did), and deadheading isn’t necessary.
Plants are trailing but compact and
seldom need shaping. Cut them back
after a killing frost.
other maintenance This gentian
is less exacting in its needs than others
and performs well in average garden
conditions provided drainage is good
and the soil doesn’t dry out. Afternoon
shade is a good idea, especially in the
warmer end of its range. Watch for
slugs and snails. Plants are slow to
bulk up, but older clumps may be
divided in early spring.
Geranium endressii
‘Wargrave Pink’
‘Wargrave Pink’ geranium
geraniaceae
1 1/2-in. light pink flowers; palmately cut
leaves
15–18 in. high; 18 in. wide
Full sun–part shade
Blooms May–June
Zones 4–8
pruning Sprawling, straggly stems
tend to develop after the initial
flowering. Cut down to new growth at
the base of the plant after flowering
using hand pruners, or go for speed
and use hedge shears. You may hit
some of the new growth, but no harm
done—the plants usually fill in with
fresh mounds of foliage within 2
weeks. You may even get some
sporadic rebloom for your efforts. For
best regrowth, avoid prolonged
drought after cutting back. Flowering
may last longer in cool climates, and
cutting back may not be necessary.
Plants hold up well until late winter, at
which point they often turn to mush.Gentiana septemfida var. lagodechiana