Gentiana lutea - Great Yellow Gentian is a large perennial herb that is typically solitary but can also grow in small clumps. The flowering stalk has whorled clusters of flowers that are a bright yellow, that sit on the axils of the upper clasping leaves. This plant also has large, upright, basal leaves that are lance-shaped with deep, ribbed veins. What’s interesting about this plant is that the large taproot, which is up to 3 feet long, has been used historically for medicinal purposes and also as a bittering agent. It has a blooming season that ranges from July to September, does best in full sun or part shade with moist, rich, well-draining soil, and will grow between 36 – 48 inches tall. It is slow growing and may take several years to flower. It is important to note that this plant requires consistent moisture and does not tolerate drought or heavy soils. It also does not do well in areas with hot, humid summer nights. These showy flowers will attract pollinators to your garden such as Hummingbirds, Butterflies and Bees while being resistant to Deer and Rabbits. These plants are native to Central and Southern Europe and do best in rock gardens and along pond edges. Some quick history behind this plant, the genus name honors King Gentius of Illyria, who was known to have discovered the medicinal virtues of the root of the Yellow Gentian or Bitterwort, from which a tonic bitters is still made. The epithet lutea comes from the Latin “luteus” which means yellow, in reference to the color of the flowers.
 
          25+  seed per pack      
 
Planting Zone: 4 – 8
 
Full Sun to Part Shade
 
Height: 36 inches – 48 inches
 
Width: 18 inches – 24 inches
 
Medicinal
 
Attracts Hummingbirds, Butterflies and Bees
 
Showy
 
Great for Rock Gardens, Pond Edges
 
Resistant to Deer and Rabbits
 
Origin: Central and Southern Europe
 
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