Gentiana clausa

Product Info

Meadow Closed Gentian  (Gentiana clausa)
Gentian Family

Closed bottle gentian stands out in the late-season landscape with its deep blue to violet, bottle-shaped flowers that remain tightly closed even at full bloom. This unusual floral structure gives the plant its characteristic bottle appearance and makes it instantly recognizable among native wildflowers. Blooming from late summer into fall, the flowers are pollinated almost exclusively by strong bumblebees, which are able to force their way inside to reach the nectar. It grows 1 to 2 feet tall and prefers part sun to part shade in its more southerly range. Pairs well with Blue Mistflower, Blue-stemmed Goldenrod, Cherokee Sedge, and Silverrod.

Blooms: Purple/Blue, 3-4 weeks, Aug-Sept.
Leaves: Stiff, glossy leaves are oppositely arranged up the stem and become whorled under the flowering heads
Height: 1-2’ 
Space: 18-24”
Soil: Average-Moist
Exposure: Part sun-Part shade
Fauna: Bumblebees are the main pollinator, some beetles 
Seeds: Capsules are filled with numerous papery, brown seeds that are wind dispersed
Deer Resistance: High
Zone: 2-8
Native Status: NC native, uncommon in the Mountains rare in the Piedmont
Provenance: Unknown, available on request