Bottle Gentian

Native to the Northeast and Midwest, Bottle Gentian is often known as the Closed Bottle Gentian for the unusual way that its deep, violet-blue blossoms stand erect and seemingly closed, like tiny bottles standing upright at the top of medium-tall, unbranched stems. The blooms last for several weeks, and this sun-loving native perennial has been recognized by The Xerces Society for its value to bumblebees in the late season. Bottle Gentian are slow-growing, but have a long lifespan, and will non-aggressively seed into other spots where conditions are right. Native to the Northeast and Midwestern United States and Canada, Bottle Gentian prefers full sun and moist soils, but can tolerate partial sun. Plant it near the edges of meadows or the front of garden beds so you can fully appreciate the blue bottles as season wanes. Pair with small native grasses such as little blue stem, or moisture-loving sedges, as well as native Aster and Blazing Star. Fairly deer resistant.