Field Gentian (Gentianella campestris)

Photo: Wolfgang JauchCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Field Gentian Plant Care

Gentianella campestris (L.) Börner

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is recognized by its bright blue trumpet-shaped flowers, which stand out against its green lance-shaped leaves. Originating from the mountains of Europe, Gentianella campestris is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare and striking appearance.

🌼Perennials
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Temp

50–70°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Field Gentian?

Water Field Gentian every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–70°F (10–21°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.

Where Is the Field Gentian Native To?

Native range40 countries

What Is the Field Gentian?

Field Gentian (Gentianella campestris) belongs to the Gentianaceae family within the Gentianella genus. Field Gentian is native to Europe. Field Gentian is also known as Autumn Gentian.

Field Gentian displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Field Gentian produces showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Field Gentian?

Gentianella campestris requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Field Gentian Need?

Field Gentian thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Light Requirement

Partial shade to full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Field Gentian Prefer?

Gentianella campestris grows best at temperatures of 50–70°F. Field Gentian prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

50–70°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Field Gentian?

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Field Gentian to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Field Gentian?

Feed Field Gentian every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every month

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Field Gentian?

Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Field Gentian?

Field Gentian can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to daisy-leaved gentian plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Field Gentian Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Field Gentian, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Field Gentian?

Field Gentian is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Field Gentian Need?

Field Gentian grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 7b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Field Gentian is native to Europe.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 4a – 7b

Keep exploring plants

Field Gentian is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Gentianella genus — compare its care with other Gentianella species on PlantoScan.

Gentianella is part of the Gentianaceae plant family — browse all Gentianaceae genera and species.

Field Gentian thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Gentianella Species

Other Gentianella species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Gentianella campestris (L.) Börner, family Gentianaceae (first published in Fl. Deut. Volk : 543 (1912)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Field Gentian, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Wolfgang Jauch, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 7b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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