Gentian: Blue Mountain Bells for Gardens and Bouquets

Gentian is a plant of mountain meadows with flowers of such a deep blue that the shade is named after it. In the Ukrainian Carpathians gentians grow on high pastures, gardeners plant them in rockeries, and florists use cut Japanese hybrids with bell-shaped flowers on long stems. Here is what types of gentian exist, why some are protected and how this flower ends up in bouquets.

What Is Gentian

Gentian (Gentiana) is a large genus of herbaceous plants in the gentian family, found mostly in temperate mountains. Most species have bell- or trumpet-shaped flowers, usually blue or violet, less often yellow or white. The Latin name comes from Gentius, an Illyrian king credited by legend with discovering the plant’s properties. The Ukrainian name is «tyrlych», while the Russian «gorechavka» refers to the very bitter taste of the root.

Gentian Species in Ukraine and Gardens

• Yellow gentian (G. lutea) — a tall plant with tiers of yellow flowers, native to the Carpathians. Mass digging of its root for bitter liqueurs put it in the Red Book of Ukraine, so collecting it in the wild is prohibited.
• Willow gentian (G. asclepiadea) — arching stems lined with blue bells, flowering in late summer in mountain forests.
• Marsh gentian (G. pneumonanthe) — a plant of damp lowland meadows.
• Stemless gentian (G. acaulis) — an alpine species with big blue trumpets almost at ground level, a rock-garden classic.
• Crested gentian (G. septemfida) — one of the easiest for gardens, flowering in July–August.

Gentian in Bouquets

Florists use Japanese gentian hybrids with 50–70 cm stems densely set with blue, sky-blue, pink or white bells. They last more than a week in a vase and add a rare, pure, undyed blue to a bouquet. Gentian pairs well with white roses, lisianthus, hydrangea and wildflower designs. More cool-toned flowers are in blue flowers.

How to Grow Gentian

Gentians want sun or light shade, cool roots and well-drained yet moist soil. Alpine species go into rockeries with added grit; woodland and meadow species prefer part shade under shrubs. Propagate by seed (it needs cold stratification over winter) or by division in spring. Gentians dislike being moved, so choose the spot carefully. They usually need no winter protection.

FAQ

Can I pick gentians in the mountains?

No. Yellow gentian is in the Red Book of Ukraine, and picking any plants in nature reserves is prohibited. Buy garden plants from nurseries.

When do gentians bloom?

Depending on species, from May (stemless gentian) to September (willow and crested gentians).

How long do cut gentians last?

Cut gentian hybrids last more than a week if you change the water and trim the stems.

Do florists sell gentians?

Yes, Japanese gentian hybrids appear in bouquets mainly in late summer and autumn.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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