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Key characteristics

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

Groundcovers

Gentiana acaulis

Trumpet Gentian

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.

Light

Full sun to part shade

Water

Medium; prefers moist, well-draining soil

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)