There are so few true blue flowers out there, so when I first saw this crested gentian I just had to add it to my garden.

Native to the Caucasus (the area south of Western Russia), it's considered to be one of the easiest gentians to grow. Gentians have a reputation for being picky, so if you want to give them a try this more compromising one is by far the best choice.

Spreading low along the ground, the Lagodekhian crested gentian produces 1 1/2-inch long, pure ultramarine tubular flowers at the end of each stalk in early fall. They're amazingly showy I notice them from well across my yard when they're in bloom and can't help but smile each time that I see them.

Used to moist, rocky places in its native haunts, this gentian is best planted in moist, well-drained peaty soil in sun or part shade. I've found that the key to success with this species is moisture make sure that it doesn't dry out. It also doesn't like having other plants touching it, so don't try plant it near other ramblers that might intertwine within the foliage.

I have mine growing with dwarf goatsbeard alongside my deck, but it also goes quite well with dwarf hosta like 'Pandora's Box.

Pot size: 4.5"sq x 5.0" (1004 ml, or ~one quart).