Gentiana andrewsii (Closed Bottle Gentian)
Closed Bottle Gentian, Closed Gentian, Bottle Gentian
Gentiana andrewsii (Closed Bottle Gentian) is a clump-forming perennial noted for its tight clusters of bottle-shaped, dark blue to purple flowers which always remain closed. Since the petals never open, the unusual flowers look like buds about to open. Blooming in late summer to early fall, sometimes until frost, the blossoms appear at the tops of the stems or in the upper leaf axils. Plants may count up to two whorls of flowers. Bumblebees are the primary pollinators of the flowers, as they are one of the few insects that can force their way past the closed corolla. The foliage of narrow, rich green leaves, whorled or opposite, appears below the clusters, turning gold with ruddy highlights after flowering. Easy to grow, Closed Bottle Gentian is a welcome addition to a moist wildflower garden, where its intriguing blue blossoms will add a subtle touch of color.
- Grows up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 12-18 in. across (30-45 cm). Will naturalize over time into large clumps.
- Thrives in part shade, in humus-rich, acidic, moist, well-drained soils. Plant in soil that is not too acidic and maintain moisture throughout the growing season, without letting soil get soggy.
- Ideal for shady borders, woodland gardens, cottage gardens, rock gardens or along streams or ponds.
- Virtually pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
- Propagate by seed or root division.
- Native to eastern North America, from New England west to Saskatchewan, south to Georgia and Arkansas.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 7 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Gentiana - Gentians |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Late) Fall |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" (45cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Southeast, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer |
Attracts | Bees |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ponds and Streams, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
habrda / 123RF Stock Photo
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 7 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Gentiana - Gentians |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Late) Fall |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" (45cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Southeast, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer |
Attracts | Bees |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ponds and Streams, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |