Water
Water regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Reduce watering during winter dormancy.
Also known as King's Scepter Gentian · King's-Scepter Gentian · Pacific Gentian
King's Gentian (Gentiana sceptrum) is a perennial wildflower native to western North America, known for its large, deep blue, bell-shaped flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
60% intensity
Protect from intense afternoon sun.
Keep soil consistently moist.
70% intensity
Reduce in winter.
Prefers moist, acidic to neutral, well-drained soils rich in organic matter.
50% intensity
Thrives in cool to moderate temperatures.
60% intensity
Ideal growing range 10-20°C.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in spring.
20% intensity
Avoid over-fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Reduce watering during winter dormancy.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming and prevent self-seeding if desired. Remove any dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Best propagated from seed sown in autumn or stratified in the refrigerator. Division of established clumps in spring is also possible but can be challenging.
Rarely needs repotting if grown in the ground. If container-grown, repot in spring every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining acidic soil.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of King's Gentian (Gentiana sceptrum)
Where King's Gentian (Gentiana sceptrum) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Gentianaceae |
| Genus | Gentiana |
| Species | Gentiana sceptrum |
Similar in genus Gentiana
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
