Gentiana andrewsii
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Tried and True Recommended by 2 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: closed gentian
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Gentianaceae
Zone: 3 to 7
Native Range: Eastern North America
Garden Location: Birch Mahaffey Carpenter Butterfly Pavilion
Height: 1 to 2 feet
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time: October
Bloom Color: Blue, Purple
Bloom Description: Dark blue
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Deer
Uses: Will Naturalize

Culture

Best grown in moist, rich, cool, humusy, acidic, well-drained soils in part shade. Dislikes hot nights, and does not grow well in the deep South. If left undisturbed, plants in optimum growing conditions will naturalize over time into large clumps.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Bottle gentian is a Missouri native wildflower which is most often found in moist woods, thickets and low wooded areas near streams and ponds. Typically grows 1-2' tall and features tight clusters of tubular (bottle-shaped), deep blue flowers which never open. Flower clusters appear at the tops of the stems or in the upper leaf axils in late summer to early autumn (October in the St. Louis area). Ovate, lance-shaped leaves (to 4" long) with parallel veins. Sometimes also commonly called closed gentian.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Best in part shade areas of rock gardens, woodland or shade gardens, wild flower gardens, native plant gardens or along streams or ponds. Also may be grown in shady areas of borders.

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