Swertia bimaculata

Family: Gentianaceae

What it is like

Swertia bimaculata is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Wet grassy places in lowland and mountains all over Japan. Beside streams, swamp, meadows, scrub and forests at elevations of 200 - 3000 metres in China.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Root - cooked.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have no details for this species but suggest growing it in a moist well-drained soil in a sunny position.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame at 10°c or less. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Biennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Ophelia bimaculata.