Gentian Blue Pimpernel is a compact flowering annual that brings brilliant blue blooms to summer and fall gardens from June through November. This cultivar of Anagallis monelli grows just 6 to 12 inches tall but spreads to a full 12 inches wide, creating a dense mound of color that reaches flowering in about 84 days from seed. Hardy in zone 9, it thrives in full sun and requires only moderate water once established, making it a low-fuss choice for gardeners seeking long-season color with minimal fuss.
6
Full Sun
Moderate
9-9
12in H x 12in W
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High
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The blue flowers appear reliably from early summer through the first frost, providing months of continuous color in a compact footprint. Once established, this variety handles drought remarkably well and needs just an inch of water per week during active growth. Deer leave it alone, and pollinators seek it out, bringing life to containers, borders, and rock gardens without requiring deadheading or constant maintenance.
Gentian Blue Pimpernel is grown as an ornamental flower for borders, containers, rock gardens, and as a low edging plant. Its long season of bloom and compact growth habit make it valuable for adding continuous blue color to mixed plantings throughout summer and into fall.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost, planting at a depth of 1/8 inch. Keep the soil at 65°F and expect seeds to sprout within 7 to 14 days. Starting indoors is recommended for best results.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last spring frost has passed, spacing plants 6 inches apart.
You can also sow seeds directly in the garden in your desired location after the last spring frost.
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