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Gentian (Gentiana)
The gentian genus comprises a large number of flowering plants. The ornamental species in this genus are valued for their large trumpet-shaped flowers, often an intense blue. Some species are used in dyes, soaps, and perfumes. The blue gentian flower was an emblem of the great Minamoto Clan of Japan. 
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Gentian
Feedback
Attributes of Gentian
Plant Height
10 cm
Spread
40 cm
Flower Color
Purple
Blue
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Gentian
Distribution of Gentian
Feedback
Distribution Map of Gentian
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Gentian
Feedback
The genus gentian comprises plants that favor well-drained, moderately acidic to neutral soils and thrive in full sun to partial shade. These perennials typically require consistent moisture but do not tolerate waterlogged conditions. In terms of temperature, gentian favors cooler climates and can be sensitive to extreme heat. Gardeners often face challenges with root rot, caused by poor drainage, and pests such as aphids. Seasonally, gentian demands protection from harsh winter conditions and benefits from a reduction in watering during dormancy. Spring is ideal for division and transplantation, ensuring robust summer blooms.
Exploring the Gentian Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Harvestbells
These bottle-shaped flowers have enough ornamental appeal to make harvestbells a popular garden plant. The flowers also attract bees, hummingbirds, and other bird species.
Stemless gentian
Stemless gentian is an evergreen perennial with short, trumpet-shaped blue flowers. It is native to several mountain ranges of Europe, but can be grown in rock gardens, borders, and used as ground cover. Stemless gentian grows best in areas with cooler summers.
Star gentian
Gentiana cruciata is a small-sized plant that is widespread across Europe and Western Asia. It produces violet-blue flowers with four petals. The star gentian is extremely important for the endangered Phengaris rebel butterfly since it feeds upon this plant.
Japanese gentian
Japanese gentian is a perennial that blooms purple and blue flowers in late summer and early fall. It is commonly found in thickets, grassy areas, and wet meadows in both mountains and low elevations in Japan (hence the common name).
Willow gentian
Gentiana asclepiadea is a well-known mountain wildflower of Europe and Asia, but it's highly prized as an ornamental garden plant as well. This elegant perennial can grow up to 1 m tall, so it's perfect for garden beds and borders. Willow gentian tolerates a various range of growing conditions, but it prefers soil with a lot of organic matter.
Yellow gentian
Yellow gentian (*Gentiana lutea*) is a perennial herb that grows best in chalky, slightly acidic soil. As the common name suggests, it is a notably bitter plant. The genus name honors Genius, an ancient Greek ruler who is historically associated with the plant.
Spring gentian
One of the smallest of the gentians, spring gentian (Gentiana verna), is widespread in Eurasia, where it grows primarily in sunny alpine meadows. It is scarce in some European countries and is protected as an endangered species. Cultivated varieties are perfect for use in rock gardens and are among the few plants that rabbits will not snack on.
Striped gentian
Striped gentian (Gentiana villosa) is a perennial wildflower native to the southeastern United States and is endangered in some states. It blooms late in the season, although sometimes the flowers remain partially closed and never fully open. Although the word "villosa" from the scientific name translates to "hairy," no parts of this plant actually grow hairlike structures.
All Species of Gentian
Harvestbells
Harvestbells
These bottle-shaped flowers have enough ornamental appeal to make harvestbells a popular garden plant. The flowers also attract bees, hummingbirds, and other bird species.
Stemless gentian
Stemless gentian
Stemless gentian is an evergreen perennial with short, trumpet-shaped blue flowers. It is native to several mountain ranges of Europe, but can be grown in rock gardens, borders, and used as ground cover. Stemless gentian grows best in areas with cooler summers.
Star gentian
Star gentian
Gentiana cruciata is a small-sized plant that is widespread across Europe and Western Asia. It produces violet-blue flowers with four petals. The star gentian is extremely important for the endangered Phengaris rebel butterfly since it feeds upon this plant.
Japanese gentian
Japanese gentian
Japanese gentian is a perennial that blooms purple and blue flowers in late summer and early fall. It is commonly found in thickets, grassy areas, and wet meadows in both mountains and low elevations in Japan (hence the common name).
Willow gentian
Willow gentian
Gentiana asclepiadea is a well-known mountain wildflower of Europe and Asia, but it's highly prized as an ornamental garden plant as well. This elegant perennial can grow up to 1 m tall, so it's perfect for garden beds and borders. Willow gentian tolerates a various range of growing conditions, but it prefers soil with a lot of organic matter.
Yellow gentian
Yellow gentian
Yellow gentian (*Gentiana lutea*) is a perennial herb that grows best in chalky, slightly acidic soil. As the common name suggests, it is a notably bitter plant. The genus name honors Genius, an ancient Greek ruler who is historically associated with the plant.
Spring gentian
Spring gentian
One of the smallest of the gentians, spring gentian (Gentiana verna), is widespread in Eurasia, where it grows primarily in sunny alpine meadows. It is scarce in some European countries and is protected as an endangered species. Cultivated varieties are perfect for use in rock gardens and are among the few plants that rabbits will not snack on.
Striped gentian
Striped gentian
Striped gentian (Gentiana villosa) is a perennial wildflower native to the southeastern United States and is endangered in some states. It blooms late in the season, although sometimes the flowers remain partially closed and never fully open. Although the word "villosa" from the scientific name translates to "hairy," no parts of this plant actually grow hairlike structures.
Downy gentian
Downy gentian
The downy gentian is a stunning, bright violet to blue wildflower that grows close to the ground. The blossoms are tubular and known to close at night or when it's cloudy. The showy flowers attract bees and are even more beautiful when juxtaposed against the plant's waxy, deep green foliage.
Marsh gentian
Marsh gentian
The Lung gentian is a perennial, herbaceous plant that reaches heights of growth of 15 to 40 centimeters; in fallow land it can reach heights of growth of up to 1 meter. The stalk is upright. The leaves are einnervig and narrower than 1 centimeter. The leaf blades have a eilanzettliche to linealische form and are at the edge usually a little rolled over.
Rainier Pleated Gentian
Rainier Pleated Gentian
Rainier Pleated Gentian (Gentiana calycosa) is a flowering plant species with hardy, thick leaves and thin red stems. Rainier Pleated Gentian is native to the western United States and Canada. This species is often planted in alpine gardens.
Bottle gentian
Bottle gentian
Bottle gentian or Gentiana andrewsii, gets its common name from the shape of its blooms. These late-season flowers are shaped like bottles. They are mostly pollinated by bumblebees, the only insect with enough strength to pry open their buds.
Bavarian gentian
Bavarian gentian
Bavarian gentian grows as a wildflower in mountains and moist grassland areas. It produces a mat of vibrant blue blooms in early summer, making it a valuable addition to beds, borders, containers, and cottage and gravel gardens.
Dotted-flowered gentian
Dotted-flowered gentian
Dotted-flowered gentian's vibrant and distinctive appearance makes it a popular ornamental plant. This plant differs from other species of its genus as a result of its small stature, growing up to 60 cm tall. Bumble bees pollinate this plant, so it is of great importance to wildlife.
Plain gentian
Plain gentian
The plain gentian is an indigenous plant to North America and dwells in open prairies and woodlands. The genus Gentiana alba refers to Genius, King of Illyria, believed to have discovered the medicinal value of the plain gentian plants. The specific epithet alba is a Latin word that means "white" and refers to its flower color.
Bottle gentian
Bottle gentian
Bottle gentian has small blue flowers that never fully open, but instead remain sealed like bottles. Only certain insects, such as bumblebees, are strong enough to open the petals. *Gentiana clausa* gets its scientific name from King Gentius, a Greek ruler from the 2nd century BCE.
Three-flower gentian
Three-flower gentian
They are perennial plants that reach a size of 35 to 80 cm in height. Glabrous stems. Linear to linear-lanceolate leaf blades, obtuse to rounded base, slightly rumpled and smooth margin accumulated, acute apex, prominent 1-3 veins.
Narrowleaf gentian
Narrowleaf gentian
Narrowleaf gentian (Gentiana linearis) is a perennial herb that blooms from summer to fall with blue tubular-shaped flowers attracting butterflies bees and hummingbirds. Commonly found growing in bogs creeks and ditches it thrives in moist soil and full sun.
Showy chinese gentian
Showy chinese gentian
Showy chinese gentian is a common plant in perennial gardens preferred for its easy care, reliable fall blooming period, and distinctive, trumpet-shaped blue flowers. These blooms earned it the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Pyrenean gentian
Pyrenean gentian
The Pyrenees Gentian (Gentiana pyrenaica) is a herbaceous plant species of the family Gentianaceae. It is found in humid mountain pastures, from 1200 to 2800 m altitude. It is a dwarf species measuring no more than 10 cm tall.
Short-leaved gentian
Short-leaved gentian
Short-leaved gentian is a compact alpine perennial, characterized by its squat growth and hardy nature, thriving in the high, rocky terrains. It sports clusters of striking, trumpet-shaped blue flowers that bloom above a rosette of short, dark green leaves, reflecting a remarkable adaptation to shorter growing seasons and cold climates.
Gentiana jamesii
Gentiana jamesii
Gentiana jamesii is a hardy perennial with striking, trumpet-shaped blue or violet flowers. Its lance-shaped leaves and stout stems adapt well to alpine and subalpine meadows, where the cold climate and well-drained soils support its growth. Each bloom on gentiana jamesii serves as a vibrant beacon for pollinators in its rugged mountain habitat.
Gentiana scabrida
Gentiana scabrida
Gentiana scabrida, a hardy perennial herb, thrives in alpine terrains. Its vivid blue, trumpet-shaped blooms are a hallmark, distinguished by their flared tips and clustered atop robust, sometimes branched stems. The lanceolate leaves align in a basal rosette, with upper ones embracing the stem. Adapted to high-altitude life, gentiana scabrida has a compact stature, a survival strategy against harsh winds.
Taiwan gentian
Taiwan gentian
Taiwan gentian is a perennial herb known for its trumpet-shaped, vibrant blue flowers that bloom in summer and attract pollinators. Growing in the rocky alpine regions of China, taiwan gentian uses its deep root system to anchor itself and access limited nutrients, reflecting its adaptation to harsh mountain environments. Its lanceolate leaves and sturdy stems provide a backdrop to the striking blue that contrasts with the surrounding greens and grays of its natural setting.
Gentiana hybrid
Gentiana hybrid
The gentiana hybrid genus comprises a large number of flowering plants. The ornamental species in this genus are valued for their large trumpet-shaped flowers, often an intense blue. Some species are used in dyes, soaps, and perfumes. The blue gentian flower was an emblem of the great Minamoto Clan of Japan.
Alisan gentiana
Alisan gentiana
Alisan gentiana is a striking alpine herb showcasing tubular, sapphire-blue flowers, which are particularly eye-catching against its lance-shaped, deep green leaves. Thriving in the high-mountain regions of Taiwan, the plant's vibrant blossoms are adapted to the cool climate, standing out amidst the rugged terrain and attracting pollinators. It's a testament to nature's ability to flourish in harsh conditions.
Yellow spot gentian
Yellow spot gentian
Yellow spot gentian is marked by its vibrant yellow-spotted, trumpet-shaped flowers, nestled among lance-shaped leaves. Typically flourishing in alpine meadows, this perennial embodies resilience, thriving in well-drained soils where chilly, moist conditions prevail. Its striking coloration not only delights human onlookers but also serves to attract pollinators critical for its reproduction.
Large leaf gentian
Large leaf gentian
Large leaf gentian is a hardy perennial known for its large, lance-shaped leaves and striking tubular blue or violet flowers. Thriving in mountainous regions, large leaf gentian's robust root system allows it to withstand cold climates and rocky soils. The bold blossoms are a key identifier, emerging in summer and drawing numerous pollinators, emblematic of the plant's adaptability and ecological role.
Gentiana squarrosa
Gentiana squarrosa
Gentiana squarrosa is characterized by striking blue funnel-shaped flowers with fringed petals that unfurl in a dramatic display. This herbaceous perennial prefers alpine meadows' cool embrace, growing low to the ground as if to hug the earth. The lance-shaped leaves, with a unique squarrose twist at the tips, are arranged in whorls, giving gentiana squarrosa a distinctive, organized appearance that reflects the structured beauty of its high-altitude home.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Gentian
Gentiana
The gentian genus comprises a large number of flowering plants. The ornamental species in this genus are valued for their large trumpet-shaped flowers, often an intense blue. Some species are used in dyes, soaps, and perfumes. The blue gentian flower was an emblem of the great Minamoto Clan of Japan.
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Gentian
Feedback
Attributes of Gentian
Plant Height
10 cm
Spread
40 cm
Flower Color
Purple
Blue
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Gentian
Distribution of Gentian
Feedback
Distribution Map of Gentian
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Gentian
Feedback
The genus gentian comprises plants that favor well-drained, moderately acidic to neutral soils and thrive in full sun to partial shade. These perennials typically require consistent moisture but do not tolerate waterlogged conditions. In terms of temperature, gentian favors cooler climates and can be sensitive to extreme heat. Gardeners often face challenges with root rot, caused by poor drainage, and pests such as aphids. Seasonally, gentian demands protection from harsh winter conditions and benefits from a reduction in watering during dormancy. Spring is ideal for division and transplantation, ensuring robust summer blooms.
Exploring the Gentian Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Harvestbells
These bottle-shaped flowers have enough ornamental appeal to make harvestbells a popular garden plant. The flowers also attract bees, hummingbirds, and other bird species.
Stemless gentian
Stemless gentian is an evergreen perennial with short, trumpet-shaped blue flowers. It is native to several mountain ranges of Europe, but can be grown in rock gardens, borders, and used as ground cover. Stemless gentian grows best in areas with cooler summers.
Star gentian
Gentiana cruciata is a small-sized plant that is widespread across Europe and Western Asia. It produces violet-blue flowers with four petals. The star gentian is extremely important for the endangered Phengaris rebel butterfly since it feeds upon this plant.
Japanese gentian
Japanese gentian is a perennial that blooms purple and blue flowers in late summer and early fall. It is commonly found in thickets, grassy areas, and wet meadows in both mountains and low elevations in Japan (hence the common name).
Show More Species
All Species of Gentian
Harvestbells
Stemless gentian
Star gentian
Japanese gentian
Willow gentian
Yellow gentian
Spring gentian
Striped gentian
Downy gentian
Marsh gentian
Rainier Pleated Gentian
Bottle gentian
Bavarian gentian
Dotted-flowered gentian
Plain gentian
Bottle gentian
Three-flower gentian
Narrowleaf gentian
Showy chinese gentian
Pyrenean gentian
Short-leaved gentian
Gentiana jamesii
Gentiana scabrida
Taiwan gentian
Gentiana hybrid
Alisan gentiana
Yellow spot gentian
Large leaf gentian
Gentiana squarrosa
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
