The autumn-flowering gentians are wonderful plants, bringing colour - and very intense colour at that - to the garden at a time when there is not a great deal flowering. Most have trailing stems, each terminated with a large, trumpet shaped flower. They can be split in April, and a good patch can soon be established. Most dislike alkaline soil.

Gentiana xmacaulayi 'Kidbrooke Seedling' is a compact but vigorous variety, with large strong blue striped flowers and narrow leaves.