Gentiana septemfida var. lagodechiana

Gentiana septemfida var. lagodechiana is a stemless perennial herbaceous plant, native to mountainous regions, and is among the easiest gentians to cultivate. It forms a beautiful, low-growing evergreen carpet, reaching a height of 20cm (8in). In summer, it is adorned with bright blue trumpets striped with dark blue, revealing a small white throat. This plant thrives in full sun and moist but well-drained soil. Despite being underutilised in gardens, it is an excellent rock garden or border plant.

Gentiana septemfida belongs to the Gentianaceae family, which comprises more than 400 species, including its famous cousin, Gentiana acaulis. This botanical species, rare in cultivation, originates from the mountains of the Caucasus and Turkey, where it grows on rocky and moist slopes. This perennial has a spreading and prostrate habit. It will not exceed a height of 20cm (8in) with a diameter of 30 to 35cm (12 to 14in). It has a slow growth rate. Its stems, bearing persistent leaves, lie flat and then rise upwards at their ends, where the clusters of flowers emerge. The flowering occurs in July and August, depending on the climate. The bell-shaped, narrow flowers appear among the foliage, arranged in terminal clusters of 1 to 3 flowers. They measure approximately 3.5cm (1in) in length and are a vibrant blue to purplish hue, marked with darker stripes that descend towards a white throat. The oval-shaped leaves, 3.5cm (1in) long, have highly visible veins. They are paired along the stems and persist through winter. 

Less demanding in cultivation than most of its relatives, Gentiana septemfida var. lagodechiana will adapt easily to all regions, except those experiencing hot and dry summers. It is not particular about soil type and thrives in any well-drained soil that remains moist. It excels in rock gardens or on walls, as well as planted in a perennial bed. It can be paired with wall bellflower (Campanula portenschliagana), red or purple aubrieta, snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum), or goldentuft (Alyssum saxatile).

It should be noted that gentian blue is used in microbiology, along with Zhiel's fuchsin, to differentiate bacteria based on their reaction to these two dyes. This usage, attributed to Koch, the father of modern vaccines along with Pasteur, gave its name to the most famous of its relatives: Koch's gentian.