downy gentian
Gentiana puberulenta
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterNeeds dry soil
Sizeup to 24 inches tall
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Blue , purple
- Soil types
- Chalk
Garden uses
Notes
Downy gentian (Gentiana puberulenta) is a perennial for meadow gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry, chalky soil. It grows 6 to 24 inches tall on a slender, upright, single stem. Funnel-shaped, purplish-blue flowers cluster in the leaf axils near the top of the stem. They open in late summer and early to mid autumn.
Pairs well with Prairie junegrass, Lead plant, Whorled milkweed, and Porcupinegrass.
Native range
AR, IA, IL, IN, and 17 more places. See all 21
AR, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, NY, OH, OK, SD, TN, WI, WV; ON, and QC.