Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Gentiana acaulis
Trumpet Gentian
- Family
- Gentianaceae
- Height
- 4 to 6 inches tall
- Width
- 6 to 8 inches wide
- Flower color
- Deep blue
- Foliage color
- Green
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Medium; prefers moist, well-draining soil
- Maintenance
- Low; remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 7
- Wildlife
- Bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers
About this plant
Gentiana acaulis, commonly known as Trumpet Gentian, is a low-growing perennial native to the mountainous regions of central and southern Europe. It is prized for its striking, trumpet-shaped flowers that appear in late spring to early summer, featuring a deep blue color with a white or yellow throat. This plant forms a dense rosette of glossy, lance-shaped, dark green leaves that provide a beautiful backdrop for the blooms.
Ideal for rock, alpine, or woodland gardens, Gentiana acaulis thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil. Relatively low-maintenance, it requires minimal attention once established but may struggle in hot, humid climates, benefiting from good air circulation to prevent mildew and fungal diseases.
Works well in
Rock Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Pathways & Walkways
Companion plants
Creeping phlox · Blue fescues · Candytufts · Dwarf conifers · Sea thrifts · Hellebores
Design tip
Plant this alpine gem among rocks where the brilliant flowers can be admired at close range without competing for attention. Repeat compact companion plants to create naturalistic drifts that echo mountain landscapes while maintaining crisp texture and year-round structure.
