Trumpet Gentian

(Gentiana acaulis)

Trumpet Gentian (Gentiana acaulis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Gentiana acaulis, commonly known as Trumpet Gentian, is an evergreen perennial herb native to alpine and subalpine grasslands in Europe, particularly in the central and eastern regions, including the Alps and Pyrenees. It reaches a modest height of up to 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) and forms a dense mat up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) wide. The foliage consists of lanceolate, elliptical, or obovate leaves in a basal rosette, which are evergreen and measure 2–3.5 cm long, contributing to the plant’s clumping habit. The striking trumpet-shaped terminal flowers are a vivid blue with distinctive olive-green spotted throats, appearing on very short peduncles that are 3–6 cm long. The flower stem is typically leafless or may have 1 or 2 pairs of small leaves. Trumpet Gentian blooms in late spring and summer, offering a showy display.

The intense blue of the Trumpet Gentian’s blooms is highly appreciated in cultivation, earning it the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. It is often used in rock gardens, alpine houses, and as edging due to its low-growing habit and vibrant flowers. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate part shade and requires medium amounts of water. It is adaptable to a range of soil drainage conditions from slow to fast but thrives best in well-drained, neutral to acidic soils. Despite its hardiness, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.3-0.5 feet
  • Width: 0.3-0.8 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Blue, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to alpine and subalpine grasslands in the central and eastern regions of Europe, including the Alps and Pyrenees

Other Names

Common Names: Stemless Gentian, Gentian, Stengelloser Enzian, Kochs Enzian, Keulen-Enzian, Stängelloser Silikat-Enzian, Gentiane À Tige Courte, Gentiane Acaule, Alpgentiana, Breitblättriger Enzian

Scientific Names: , Gentiana acaulis, Gentiana angustifolia, Gentiana kochiana, Gentiana acaulis var. acaulis, Gentiana excisa, Gentiana acaulis subsp. acaulis, Gentiana vulgaris, Gentiana caulescens, Gentiana grandiflora

GBIF Accepted Name: Gentiana acaulis L.