How to Plant and Grow Gentian
A North American native, gentian bears showy clusters of blossoms at the top of the plant in shades of white, purple, and sometimes nearly blue. The tubular flowers, which resemble large, closed buds, debut in late summer and continue coloring the garden through autumn. 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.
Where to Plant Gentian
Gentian grows best in moist, rich, cool, well-drained soil and part shade. 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. Plant it alongside astilbe, coral bells (Heuchera 'Americana'), deadnettle (Lamium), hosta, and lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis) in a traditional shade garden. Group it with native plant partners such as lead plant (Amorpha canescens), milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria), Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginiana), and meadowsweet (Filipendula rubra).
How and When to Plant Gentian
Fall is the ideal season for planting gentian. This gives the plant time to establish a good root system during the cooler months and avoid the stress of summer heat. 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-thick layer of mulch to prevent soil-moisture loss.
Temperature and Humidity
Because this wildflower grows best in cool summer conditions, gentian often struggles in areas south of Zone 7. When planted in its preferred growing conditions, gentian will spread to form a colony of long-lived plants.
Gentiana andrewsii handles cold weather and even frost, continuing to bloom late into the fall. Water well before the ground freezes and apply a mulch of compost or straw if temperatures threaten to plummet below -20℉.
Fertilizer
It is not necessary to fertilize gentian. A springtime application 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.
Potting and Repotting Gentian
Gentian doesn't like to have its roots disturbed so it isn't a good candidate for a container garden.
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.
How to Propagate Gentian
Gentian is tough to start from seed, because germination is erratic at best and it requires patience. Mix seeds in a plastic bag with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for two months. Following that, scatter the seeds on top of pots filled with moist seed starting mix. Press the seeds to ensure contact with the soil. Keep the soil moist as seeds germinate, which can be slow. Allow seedlings to grow indoors through their first winter and plant outside in their second spring. They may take two to three years to bloom.
Gentian doesn't like to have its roots disturbed so it's not a good candidate for division.
Types of Gentian
Spring Gentian
Spring gentian (Gentiana verna) is an evergreen groundcover with star-shaped blooms in intense aquamarine. They grow only 2 to 4 inches tall but the deep color is stunning and especially interesting in a rock garden where they can shine. Zones 4-7
Willow Gentian
Willow gentian (Gentiana aesclepiadea) features vivid, sapphire-blue flowers over 2- to 3-foot tall arching stems with willow-like leaves. The trumpet-shape blooms appear in late summer or fall. Zones 6-9
Stemless Gentain
Stemless gentian (Gentiana acaulis) is an alpine native that produces showy blue flowers in late spring or early summer. The blooms sit directly on the leafy foliage. This evergreen groundcover measures about 4 inches tall with an 8-inch spread. Zones 3-7
Gentian Companion Plants
Astilbe
Astilbe brings a graceful, feathering note to moist, shady landscapes. In cooler climates in the northern third or so of the country, it can tolerate full sun provided it has a constant supply of moisture. In drier sites, however, the leaves will scorch in full sun. Feathery plumes of white, pink, lavender, or red flowers rise above the finely divided foliage from early to late summer depending on the variety. It will spread slowly over time where well-situated. Most commercially available types are complex hybrids. Zones 4-8
Hosta
One of the most tried-and-true shade plants, hostas are low-maintenance with hundreds of varieties to choose from. Because the foliage is so diverse in size, shape, and color, mixing and matching hostas is easy to do. Smaller varieties can also form a pretty garden border or fill in space around the base of a tree. Zones 3-9
Coral Bells
Native to rocky cliff settings where water drains easily, coral bells tolerate dry shade gardens well. Though these perennials do bloom, it's the foliage 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. Zones 3-9
Lady's Mantle
This classic, low-growing perennial offers sprays of chartreuse blooms in spring and green foliage that's fuzzy to the touch. That fuzz often catches early morning dewdrops, giving lady's mantle a spangled appearance. Try growing lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis) as an elegant landscape edging plant along a path or at the front of a perennial border. Zones 3-8
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does gentian live?
Established gentian may live up to 50 years in its preferred environment. You will see the best longevity if the plants roots are undisturbed.
Are gentians toxic?
No, they’re not toxic but they are very bitter, which is why they are seldom bothered by foraging animals.
If gentian flowers never open, how are they pollinated?
Bumblebees are the primary pollinators of this gentian species because they are strong enough to force their way between the tightly closed petals.
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