Gentian (Gentiana alba)
jent-she-AY-nah AL-bah

Deciduous Perennial in the Gentianaceae Family
 

 
Available May 9
Size Notes Price Availability
Tray of 10 4" pots Field $72.08 Available for Pre-Order
2/6 - 2/16
Estimated Arrival May 9
 
Teaser Oddly attractive flowers remain nearly closed and are primarily pollinated by bumblebees. Flower color can vary from white to greenish-white or yellowish-white.

Gentiana alba, commonly known as the white gentian, is a rare and striking perennial native to eastern North America. Unlike many gentians known for their vivid blue or purple hues, this species boasts delicate, creamy white flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall. The tubular flowers arise from basal rosettes of smooth, lanceolate green leaves.

White gentian typically grows 12-18 inches tall, forming compact, well-behaved clumps in the garden. It prefers cool, moist, well-drained soils and full to partial sun exposure. In the wild, Gentiana alba is found in wet meadows, prairies, and open woodland habitats.

Though less common in cultivation than some of its more colorful gentian cousins, the white gentian makes an elegant addition to perennial borders, rock gardens, and woodland settings. Its understated, ivory blooms contrast beautifully with bolder companion plants. Gentiana alba also serves as an important nectar source for late-season pollinators.

With its refined aesthetic and specific growing requirements, the white gentian can be a bit challenging for some gardeners. However, for those willing to provide the right conditions, it offers a unique and rewarding gentian for the perennial garden.

 

Plant Data

Mature Size 18 - 24 inches tall. 18 - 24 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium
Zones 3a - 7b (Usually hardy to -40° F)
Tags Deciduous, Full Sun, Medium, Medium, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial
Bloom Period August to September
Flower Color White To Yellowish White To Greenish White
 

More Info from Experts

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Pricing and Availability History

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Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!