Gentiana clausa
Bottle gentian or closed gentian
The brilliant violet blue flowers of this native bring a sense of mystery and anticipation to the woodland garden. The flowers never fully open, but have a narrow space at the top that allows bees to work their way inside. When the bees have pollinated the flower the tips turn from white to purple, signaling that there is no more nectar. Easy to grow in an average to moist shady site, Gentians can tolerate sun as well with consistent moisture. Found in damp meadows from Quebec to Georgia. Available in limited quantities.
Height15-20 Inches |
 |
Spread12-18 Inches |
Bloom Color
PurpleUSDA Hardiness Zone 3-9
Interesting Notes
An Ingenius Design to facilitate cross-pollination: a narrow opening at the top is just big enought for large, strong bees to stick their heads in and pry open the corolla so that they can crawl inside. The petals have extra folds along their seams, like the bellows of an accordian, that act as expansion joints to prevent the flower from ripping as the bee climbs inside (if only blue jeans had such devices). The bee squeezes down past the stigma on its way to the base of the flower to sip nectar, depositing any pollen it may have carried in before passing the anthers for another dose. The New England Wild Flower Society Guide to Growing and Propagating Wildflowers by Bill Cullina
North American Distribution Map HERE
Growing and Maintenance Tips
Bottle Gentians prefer moist soils rich in organic matter. Plant in part to full shade, ideally with some morning or evening sun. Washed out foliage is a sign of too much sun. Gentians grow well in pots and are easily established in the garden, but they resent transplanting once established. If you do move a gentian, make sure to keep it watered, and don't give up even if it seems to never recover. The following season it should return to its prior vigor.
