Plants in genus gentiana
Gentiana clausa
Gentiana clausa, commonly known as 'bottle gentian', is native to the moist meadows and woods of Eastern North America. It features paired, lanceolate leaves and blue blooms that remain closed or nearly closed, flowering from late August to October. The plant attracts native bees and prefers well-drained soils, tolerating slightly acidic and alkaline conditions.
Gentiana scabra
Gentiana scabra is a flowering plant from the Gentian family, native to East Asia. It forms small clumps up to 1 foot wide and blooms royal blue flowers in early September. Traditionally used in Chinese and Tibetan medicine, it promotes digestive health and treats liver-related illnesses. This plant prefers slightly moist, well-drained soil and is suitable for hot climates.
Gentiana saponaria
Gentiana saponaria is a native plant of eastern North America, known for its blue or purple blooms and stout taproot. It grows in undisturbed sandy soils and low woodlands, reaching 1-2 feet in height. The plant is pollinated by bumblebees and blooms in September and October.
Gentiana andrewsii
Gentiana andrewsii, native to northeastern North America, is known for its rich blue, bottle-shaped flowers with closed mouths that bloom in late summer. It thrives in wet to dry-mesic prairies and prairie fens, preferring slightly moist alkaline conditions. This plant attracts hummingbirds and tolerates seasonal droughts, making it a resilient addition to gardens.
Gentiana asclepiadea
Gentiana asclepiadea, also known as the willow gentian, is a perennial native to central and eastern Europe. It features bell-shaped blue-purple flowers in summer, thriving in moist to damp slightly acidic soil. This plant is found in mountain woodlands or open pastures and prefers full sun or partial shade. Gentiana asclepiadea is easy to grow and has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit for its ornamental value.
Gentiana saponaria 'Rockford'
Gentiana saponaria 'Rockford' is a fall-flowering perennial native to North America, thriving in low, damp areas. It features abundant terminal clusters of blue bottle-like flowers in early November, which are immune to freezes. This plant is exceptionally vigorous and was discovered near Rockford, Alabama.
Gentiana villosa 'Thomasville'
Gentiana villosa 'Thomasville' is a woodland native with dark shiny leaves and clusters of bottle-shaped white flowers. It blooms in mid-October and has been used to relieve back pain and treat snake bites.
Gentiana andrewsii 'Milk Bottles'
Gentiana andrewsii 'Milk Bottles' is a rare white-flowered strain of the closed gentian native to the US. It grows up to 18 inches tall with glossy green leaves and blooms resembling milk bottles in September. This plant thrives in hot, humid summers and prefers part sun with slightly acidic soil.
Gentiana lagodechiana
Gentiana lagodechiana, native to the Caucasus Mountains, is a semi-sprawling plant with dark green leaves and cobalt-blue flowers. It attracts hummingbirds and thrives in hot, humid summers, preferring well-drained, slightly moist sites.
Gentiana villosa 'Whitehall'
Gentiana villosa 'Whitehall' is a perennial plant native to the Midwest and Southeast regions of the United States. It is tolerant of heat and humidity, forming an 8-inch tall by 15-inch wide clump. In mid-October, it produces white flowers, making it a striking addition to fall gardens. This plant is drought-tolerant and attracts insects, adding ecological value to garden spaces.
Gentiana autumnalis 'Caroline Co Va'
Gentiana autumnalis 'Caroline Co Va' is a small plant found in sunny openings of moist pine forests from New Jersey to Georgia. It features 1-foot long flowering spikes with cobalt blue flowers that bloom from late September to early winter. This plant benefits from subsurface moisture and attracts insects.