Closed Bottle Gentian

Gentiana andrewsii

When in full bloom, the flower of Closed Bottle Gentian looks like a bud about to open. Only bees, such as Digger Bees and Bumblebees are strong enough to force open the top of the flower can crawl inside to access the nectar (and boy is it cute to watch their little butts sticking out). Insects like the Carpenter bee will chew the base of the flower to access the nectar inside, then allowing other insects to access the same site.

Closed Bottle Gentian does have a tendency to lean or droop, so plant with sturdy variety such as Cardinal Flower for support. Personally, I have found the droop quite attractive with the leaf rosettes and flower buds providing a pretty interest against the ground.

Being a late bloomer this Gentian adds a lovely pop of colour, contrasting its glossy vibrant green foliage, especially while there is less blooming. Closed Bottle Gentian most enjoys moist soil with part sun/shade making it a great addition to a woodland edge, shade garden or pond edge. While it is slow growing in its first years, Closed Bottle Gentian is quite long-lived and is low maintenance once established.

Gentian has historically been used medicinally as a digestive stimulant and to treat sinus infections.