Gentiana

( jen - tee - AY - nuh )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Gentian, this flowering perennial (sometimes biennial or annual) needs full sun in the coolest climates in its zone range and regular water. The tubular flowers come in various shades of blue. These plants are native to many regions of the world, including Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Most plants are difficult to grow outside of their natural habitat, but some species are available as garden ornamentals. Use Gentian in shaded areas of the garden, in mixed beds, or grow them in containers.

Gentiana Species and Varietals

The genus Gentiana is a member of the plant family Gentianaceae, and includes over 300 distinct species. The genus name is a tribute to Gentius, the Illyrian king who discovered the plants' tonic properties. These flowers grow best in zones 2-6 and 14-17, though this can vary somewhat depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Gentiana acaulis (Stemless Gentian, Trumpet Gentian)
This species is native to the mountains in central and southern Europe and forms a mat 3-4 inches tall and 1 foot wide. Foliage is glossy and dark green. In summer, rich blue flowers with interior green spots bloom. Divide every 2-3 years for best performance.

Gentiana alba (Plain Gentian, Pale Gentian, White Gentian, Cream Gentian, Yellow Gentian)
This species is considered rare in some parts of its native range in North America, and produces yellow to white flowers. These plants form thick taproots.

Gentiana andrewsii (Bottle Gentian, Closed Gentian, Closed Bottle Gentian)
This species is native to northeastern North America, and produces a perennial herbaceous plant that blooms in late summertime. Flowers are rich blue, and petals are fused together, forming a closed bottle shape. Foliage is glossy and green. These plants prefer very moist soils, growing naturally in fens and sandy areas near lake shorelines.

​Gentiana asclepiadea (Willow Gentian)
This native of Europe and western Asia has arching stems topped with deep blue flowers that open in late summer and early fall. The plant forms a clump 2-3 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide, making it one of the larger plants in the genus. These plants love rich, neutral to acidic soil and do great when planted amongst ferns. Needs partial shade for best performance.

Gentiana calycosa (Explorer's Gentian, Rainier Pleated Gentian, Mountain Bog Gentian)
This species produces flowers that range in color from deep blue to purple. Plants form hardy, thick green leaves on thin red stems. Explorer's Gentian is native to the western United States, and prefers to grow in rocky slopes, wet meadows, and bogs.

​Gentiana cruciata (Cross Gentian, Star Gentian)
This species of Gentian is native to Europe, Turkey and Siberia. It grows to form a rosette of thick leaves up to 8 inches long. Stalks clad with leaves sprout 8-16 inches tall and hold clusters of dark blue flowers towards the tips, nestled amongst the leaves. This species is not fussy about soil, and blooms in summer and early fall.

Gentiana decora (Appalachian Gentian, Showy Gentian)
This species is native to the southern Appalachian mountains, and prefers to grow in oak woodland areas. Flowers are bluish white, and bloom in late fall. 

Gentiana glauca (Pale Gentian, Glaucous Gentian)
This species is native to eastern Asia and northwestern North America. It produces a basal rosette of green leaves from an underground rhizome, and reaches 6 inches tall when mature. Flowers are blue to blue-green. This species prefers moist, treeless habitats and commonly grows in tundra landscapes.

Gentiana lutea (Great Yellow Gentian)
This species is native to the mountain ranges of central and southern Europe. These plants reach between 3 and 6 feet tall when mature, and produce yellow flowers. Great Yellow Gentian grows in grassy alpine environments. These plants were sometimes used in brewing beers before the discovery of hops, due to their bitter flavored roots.

Gentiana newberryi (Alpine Gentian, Newberry's Gentian)
This species is native to California and Oregon, and forms a small herbaceous plant that grows along the ground. Leaves are green, sometimes with purple coloration on margins and tips. Flowers are white and trumpet-shaped.

Gentiana pannonica (Hungarian Gentian, Brown Gentian)
This perennial plant reaches between 8 and 24 inches tall when mature, and produces a strong, upright stem. Flowers bloom from July through September, and are maroon, brownish, or purplish. 

Gentiana punctata (Spotted Gentian)
This species is native to central and southeastern Europe. These plants reach between 8 and 24 inches tall when mature, and produce yellow flowers that are heavily marked with maroon to purple spotting. 

Gentiana saponaria (Soapwort Gentian, Harvestbells)
This species forms a stout taproot and produces blue to purple flowers. Blooms stay closed, similar to other 'bottle' gentians. Flowers are pollinated by bumblebees. These plants are native to eastern North America, from Wisconsin to New York and south from Texas through Florida. 

Gentiana sceptrum (King's Scepter Gentian, King's Gentian)
These plants are native to the west coast of North America, from British Colombia down through northern California. They prefer to grow on wet areas in hills and mountains, including flooded meadows and bogs. Stems are leafy, and flowers are large and dark blue to purple. 

​Gentiana septemfida (Crested Gentian, Summer Gentian)
This species grows best in zones A1-A3, 1-6 and 14-17. They are native to Turkey, Iran, and Central Asia and have arching, sprawling stems 9-18 inches in length. The plant forms a mass 8 inches tall and 1 foot wide. Flowers are purple-blue and bloom in late summer in clusters. Gentiana septemfida lagodechiana is a similar plant, but has more widely spaced flowers.

Gentiana setigera (Mendocino Gentian)
This species is native to southern Oregon and northern California, where it prefers to grow in serpentine soils. These low-growers run along the ground, producing stems that reach about 16 inches long. Flowers are small and bright blue, with speckled white centers. 

Gentiana sino-ornata (Showy Chinese Gentian)
Native to China and Tibet, this plant forms a rosette of bright green foliage 7 inches tall and a little wider, which sends out trailing stems that produce blue flower clusters in early autumn. These like acidic soil and partial shade. Mulch these plants with gravel for best performance.

Caring for Gentiana

Although these plants are considered to be generally difficult to grow, the species listed above are great for gardens, and if provided the right care and conditions, can be grown successfully. They need humus rich soil with excellent drainage; some species prefer lime-free soil (these species are noted above). They enjoy consistent watering.

Propagation

Problems and Pests

  • Spider Mites
  • Slugs
  • Snails
  • Aphids

Gallery

Gentian liqueur is produced using the roots of the Gentian plant.
A field of thea sinensis
Moxie is a soft drink made using Gentiana.

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Gentiana
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 335, Gentiana
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
​