bottle gentian
Gentiana clausa
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Blue
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Bottle gentian (Gentiana clausa) is a perennial for borders and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Its blue flowers stay closed like bottles and form tight clusters at the top of the stem. Bees visit the blooms. A spring mulch of rotted leaves or compost helps it grow.
Pairs well with Great blue lobelia, Royal fern, and Cardinal flower.
Native range
CT, DC, MA, MD, and 12 more places. See all 16
CT, DC, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, TN, VA, VT, and WV.