Bottle Gentian
The Bottle Gentian (*Gentiana andrewsii*) is a captivating native perennial, perfect for introducing deep violet-blue color to your late-season landscape. Known for its unusual, erect, pod-shaped blossoms that resemble tiny closed bottles, this plant is a favorite late-season food source for bumblebees. It thrives in sunny to partially shaded, moist sites and is long-lived, gently spreading over time. Ideal for meadow edges or garden beds, this deer-resistant perennial offers reliable beauty and supports local pollinators.
$15.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.2
/ 5
Category Rank
3126
/ 3268
#3126 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-42%
Below average
USDA Hardiness Zones
36
/ -
Who it's for
- Late-Season Interest
- Supports Native Bumblebees
- Deer and Pest Resistant
Who should skip it
- Slow to Establish
- Requires Consistent Moisture
- Closed Flower Appearance
Key Specs
USDA Hardiness Zones
3-6
Mature Height
12-24 inches tall
Mature Spread
12-18 inches wide
Flower Size
1.5 inches
Growth Rate
Slow
Ships As
Potted Plant
Soil Type Tolerance
Loamy, Sandy, Clay, Well-Drained, Moist
Light Requirements
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Features
- Native perennial plant
- Highly valuable to bumblebees
- Deer resistant
- Low maintenance requirement
- Naturalizes gently over time
- Features unique violet-blue closed blossoms
- Tolerates wet soil conditions
What customers say
Customers highly praise the Bottle Gentian stock quality from American Meadows, noting healthy, well-packaged plants. The core theme centers on patience, as this native perennial is notoriously slow to establish. Enthusiasts who understand the multiyear wait for blooms are extremely satisfied, valuing the plant's unique blue color and its role as a late-season pollinator magnet. Conversely, newer gardeners often express frustration over the lack of immediate results or initial plant fragility. Overall, the product quality is strong, but success requires significant horticultural patience, rewarding dedicated native plant lovers with a high-value garden addition.
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