closed gentian
Gentiana andrewsii
USDA zones3 to 6
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Dark blue
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Closed gentian (Gentiana andrewsii) is a perennial for borders, meadows, and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. The dark blue flowers stay closed like buds about to open. Only large bees are strong enough to force them open and sip the nectar. Deer tend to browse other plants first.
Pairs well with Allegheny monkeyflower, Bloodroot, and Canada wild rye.
Native range
Eastern North America.