Common Name(s): Felwort, star gentian, star swertia Botanical Name: Swertia perennis Type: Perennial Hardiness: USDA zones 3 to 8 Light Requirements: Full sun Water Requirements: High Bloom Color(s): Steel blue to dusky purple Bloom Period: Mid-summer Height: 12 to 18 inches Spacing: 9 to 12 inches Features: Showy blooms, good in wet soils Precautions: None known Description: This member of the gentian family is easily overlooked in its native habitat due to its subtle, muted colors and because it most commonly grows well-hidden among taller marsh grasses. In the landscape, however, star gentian is well worth admiring and should be planted prominently so the stellar star-shaped blooms can be fully appreciated. Swertia forms a basal rosette of spoon-shaped to obovate leaves. Star-shaped flowers with dark blue veins are displayed close to upright stems in the summer. Uses/Culture: Moist beds and borders, containers, marshy areas, bog plant, pond and stream margins. Plant in full sun and rich, slightly acidic, evenly moist to boggy soil for best performance; resents dry soils and periods of drought. Germination requirements: Cold germinator. Germination occurs in in 2-4 weeks under cool, moist conditions following a 4-6 week period of cold stratification. Ideally sow from late summer to early fall for germination to occur naturally in the spring. A covering of snow during the winter is beneficial.

• 20 seeds

20 seeds