Gentiana clausa (Bottle Gentian)

Gracing the garden in late summer, Gentiana clausa (Bottle Gentian) is a clump-forming perennial noted for its tight clusters of bottle-shaped, dark blue flowers which always remain closed. Since the petals never open, the unusual flowers look like buds about to open. Blooming from late summer to mid-fall, sometimes until frost, the blossoms appear at the tops of the stems or in the upper leaf axils. 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 paired, lance-shaped, dark green leaves appears below the clusters. Easy to grow, 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 full sun to part shade, in humus-rich, acidic, moist, well-drained soils. A mulch of rotted leaves or compost in the spring is beneficial.
• Ideal for shady borders, woodland gardens, cottage gardens, or along streams or ponds.
• Virtually pest and disease free.
• Propagate by seed or root division in fall or early spring.
• Native to eastern North America.