Gentian is pollinated by insects, such as bumblebees, that push their way into those tight buds.
In its native environment this wildflower grows well in moist woodland areas near ponds and streams.
It pairs well with other shade-loving plants that thrive in moist soil.
Add gentian to a shaded rock garden where it will provide both height and color.
How and When to Plant Gentian
Fall is the ideal season for planting gentian.
Transplant potted specimens into a bed prepared with compost-enriched soil.
Nursery-grown transplants are sometimes difficult to find, so check with local nurseries that specialize in native plants.
Dig a hole about the same width and depth as the planting container.
Remove the plant and loosen the roots a bit from the root ball before placing in the hole.
Backfill with soil, tamp lightly, and water well.
Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart.
Gentian Care Tips
Gentian is slow-growing but long-lived and requires very little care once established.
Light
Gentian thrives in planting locations that receive morning sun and afternoon shade.
While it can handle full sun in northern climates, it will not withstand long exposure to intense sunlight.
Soil and Water
Gentian prefers a humus-rich, well-drained but moist soil.
The plant tolerates a mildly acidic pH range.
Water transplanted gentian plants regularly for the first growing season to promote a strong, deep root system.
Cover the soil around the plants with a 2-inch-thicklayer of mulchto prevent soil-moisture loss.
When planted in its preferred growing conditions, gentian will spread to form a colony of long-lived plants.
Gentiana andrewsiihandles cold weather and even frost, continuing to bloom late into the fall.
Fertilizer
It is not necessary to fertilize gentian.
A springtime app of compost or layer of rotted leaves is beneficial, though.
Pruning
Prune plants down to the ground once they’ve entered their dormant phase.
No other pruning is necessary.
Pests and Problems
Native gentian is practically pest- and disease-free.
Its bitter taste is unappealing to most critters but the tender tips may be chomped by browsing whitetail deer.
The trumpet-shape blooms appear in late summer or fall.
The blooms sit directly on the leafy foliage.
This evergreen groundcover measures about 4 inches tall with an 8-inch spread.
In drier sites, however, the leaves will scorch in full sun.
It will spread slowly over time where well-situated.
Most commercially available types are complex hybrids.
Smaller varieties can also form a pretty garden border orfill in space around the base of a tree.
Though these perennials do bloom, it’s thefoliage that really stands out.
Varieties like ‘Marvelous Marble’ grow beautiful, multicolor leaves with a marble-looking surface.
Other varieties have leaves that almost look spray-painted while some have deep vein colors.
That fuzz often catches early morning dewdrops, givinglady’s mantlea spangled appearance.
Zones 3-8
Frequently Asked Questions
Established gentian may live up to 50 years in its preferred environment.
You will see the best longevity if the plants roots are undisturbed.
