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.
40+ 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
I urge anyone buying seed to do their homework on germination, I have not raised and cannot raise many of these plants as I am sub-tropics here in St Augustine, Florida. All seed are NOT alike! There are so many different factors in germination and not doing a search is throwing your money away. I want everyone to be successful when growing your flowers from seed it is the most rewarding experience in Gardening and you can do it, if you give the seed what it needs to grow. I always check 3 sites of info to choose how I will go about it. It is not hard to do, if you do it right!
SEED GERMINATION TIP!!!!!!!
ONLY GERMINATE A SMALL PORTION AT A TIME.
DON'T PUT ALL YOUR MONKEYS IN A BARREL.
Good Luck and Happy Planting!!!!
