Gentian

Gentiana × grandilacustris

Native to:
United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Gentianaceae
Genus:
Gentiana
Species:
Gentiana × grandilacustris
USDA Symbol:
GEGR5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
blue, violet

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Prefers cool, alpine-like conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
Germination Time:
14–56 days
Notes:
Requires light for germination; sow on surface. Cold stratification improves germination rates significantly.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI