Felwort
Swertia perennis · Gentianaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant felwort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Summer (June to August)
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Meadows and wetland areas of central and southern Europe
- Soil type
- Fresh, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
Care
Watering
Keep the soil fresh and regularly moist, particularly during the growth and flowering periods. Avoid standing water which would promote root rot. In winter, reduce watering without letting the soil dry out completely.
Exposure
Place your perennial swertia in a sunny to partially shaded location for optimal flowering. It tolerates partial shade well but will flower less generously in very shaded conditions. A bright location stimulates growth and fruiting.
Soil and drainage
Prepare a substrate rich in organic matter, fresh and well-structured. Adding peat or compost improves water retention. Proper drainage remains essential: if the soil is too compacted, loosen it or create raised beds.
Fertilizer and nutrition
Apply a balanced fertilizer (similar NPK ratio) in spring at the start of the growing season. A second application in early summer can support flowering. An annual application of well-decomposed compost is generally sufficient to maintain soil fertility.
Pruning and maintenance
No strict pruning is necessary. Remove dead or damaged stems in late winter or spring. You can also cut back stems after flowering to encourage compact branching and a balanced shape.
Diseases and pests
Perennial swertia is generally very robust and rarely affected by pests. In overly moist or poorly drained soils, it may suffer from root rot. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Did you know?
Perennial swertia is a traditional plant of alpine and subalpine meadows in Europe, where it grows naturally in cool, humid environments. Its genus name, Swertia, honors the 17th-century German botanist Emanuel Sweert. Its distinctive blue-violet flowers, crossed with white streaks, contrast beautifully with the yellow center and are a real ornamental asset for natural-style gardens or moist rock gardens.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Marsh gentianGentiana pneumonanthe
- Yellow gentianGentiana lutea
- Blackstonia perfoliataBlackstonia perfoliata
- Field gentianGentianella campestris
- Willow gentianGentiana asclepiadea
- Spring gentianGentiana verna
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.