Origin
Gentianella crinita (Froel.) G. Don ssp. macounii (Holm) J. Gillett, commonly known as Macoun's gentian, is a native plant species found in North America. It primarily grows in the mountain ranges of western North America, including the Rocky Mountains, Cascade Range, and Sierra Nevada.
Common Names
Macoun's gentian is commonly known by several different names, including Fringed gentian, Blue gentian, and Montana gentian.
Uses
Indigenous tribes have traditionally used Macoun's gentian for medicinal purposes to treat ailments such as digestive issues, respiratory illnesses, and fever. It is also used by herbalists to stimulate appetite and improve digestion.
Macoun's gentian is primarily used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscapes. It is a striking plant with vibrant blue-violet flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. Additionally, the plant's rugged nature and ability to withstand harsh environments make it a popular choice for gardens in rocky or mountainous areas.
General Appearance
Macoun's gentian is a perennial herb with a height ranging from 10-50cm tall. Its stems are slender, branching, and hairy. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs and are narrow and pointed with a length ranging from 2-8cm.
The flowers of Macoun's gentian are strikingly beautiful and highly sought after for ornamental purposes. They are typically blue to violet in color, with fringed edges and a funnel-shaped corolla. The flowers are arranged in terminal clusters and bloom from July to September.
The plant prefers to grow in rocky or sandy soils in open habitats such as meadows, subalpine and alpine slopes, and gravelly areas. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and soil conditions but prefers moist soils.
Light Requirements
Gentianella crinita ssp. macounii requires partial to full sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can inhibit flowering and reduce overall growth.
Temperature Requirements
This subspecies of Gentianella crinita prefers cool to moderate temperatures. It can tolerate some heat, but temperatures above 85°F (29°C) can cause stress and damage the plant. In general, temperatures between 50°F (10°C) and 75°F (24°C) are ideal.
Soil Requirements
Gentianella crinita ssp. macounii prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. However, the plant is sensitive to soil pH, and acidic soils (pH below 6.0) can limit growth and cause nutrient deficiencies. A neutral to slightly acidic soil (pH between 6.0 and 7.0) is optimal.
Cultivation Methods
Gentianella crinita ssp. macounii is a hardy and easy-to-grow plant that requires well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. This plant grows best in soil that is rich in organic matter and has a pH range of 5.5-6.5. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings and should be planted in the spring or fall.
To ensure successful planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and adding compost or other organic matter. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant and place it in the ground, making sure to cover the roots with soil. Water the plant thoroughly after planting.
Watering Needs
The Gentianella crinita ssp. macounii plant prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged soil. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy, and it is important to avoid overwatering the plant. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant deeply once a week, but adjust the frequency of watering based on the weather and soil conditions.
In dry weather conditions, it may be necessary to water the plant more often. Water the plant early in the day to allow time for the leaves to dry before nightfall, as wet leaves can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Gentianella crinita ssp. macounii plants benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. Use a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content in the spring to encourage foliage growth and a fertilizer with a higher phosphorous content in the fall to promote flower production.
However, avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer.
Pruning
Gentianella crinita ssp. macounii plants generally do not require pruning, but occasional pruning can help maintain the plant's shape and promote healthy growth. Prune the plant after it has finished flowering in the fall to remove any dead or damaged stems or leaves.
If the plant has become overgrown or sprawling, it can be pruned back by one-third in the fall to promote more compact growth. However, avoid pruning the plant in the spring or summer, as this can stimulate new growth at the expense of flowers.
Propagation of Gentianella crinita (Froel.) G. Don ssp. macounii (Holm) J. Gillett
Gentianella crinita (Froel.) G. Don ssp. macounii (Holm) J. Gillett can be propagated through both seed and vegetative means.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Gentianella crinita (Froel.) G. Don ssp. macounii (Holm) J. Gillett can be sown directly outdoors in the fall or stratified and sown in the spring. Stratification involves placing the seeds in a cool, moist environment for a certain amount of time to mimic winter conditions.
It is important to note that the seedlings of Gentianella crinita (Froel.) G. Don ssp. macounii (Holm) J. Gillett may take several years to reach maturity, so patience is key.
Vegetative propagation
Gentianella crinita (Froel.) G. Don ssp. macounii (Holm) J. Gillett can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings or division.
Stem cuttings should be taken from new growth and planted in a moist potting mix. It is important to keep the cuttings moist and out of direct sunlight until roots have formed.
Division involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them individually. This method is best done in the spring or fall.
