Bottle Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii)

Bottle Gentian

Gentiana andrewsii

Bottle Gentian is a unique, late-blooming wildflower growing 1-2 feet tall. It thrives in moist prairies, woodland edges, and thickets. The deep blue, bottle-shaped flowers never fully open, relying on bumblebees to force the flower open for pollination during the months of August and September. This species prefers loamy or sandy soils with good moisture retention. It is valuable for native plant gardens, rain gardens, and pollinator-friendly landscapes, offering late-season nectar sources.

Characteristics

Product Form	Plant
Type	Forb
Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Soil	Clay, Loam, Sand/Gravel, Peat, Calcareous
Moisture	Wet
Average Max Height (inches)	26
Suggested Plant Spacing (inches)	15
Bloom month(s)	August, September
Bloom Color or Type	Blue, Violet
Dominance	Low

Range Maps

Sowing Information

Sow seed onto a firm, weed-free seedbed. Hand-broadcast seed making two perpendicular passes for even coverage. If planting a mix, broadcast the grass component first and lightly rake/drag it into the top 1/8–1/4" of soil. Next, broadcast wildflower/forb seed and press it into the soil surface (with a roller/cultipacker or the back of a rake) to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. After seeding, apply a very light layer of clean, seed-free straw (or other weed-free, site-appropriate mulch) to reduce erosion and retain moisture without smothering seedlings. A good rainfall or thorough watering will help settle seed and mulch and improve germination.

Planting Information

Dig a hole in your planting site slightly larger than the plant’s root system. When placing the plant into the hole, ensure that the soil line remains consistent with its original level in the pot. Fill in around the roots with the excavated soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly the same day to promote successful establishment.