pollinating insects. The corollas are violet, in different shades depending on the maturity of the flower. There are longitudinal ridges along the outer edge of the corolla, giving it a wrinkly appearance. Inside, the reproductive structures of the flower are fused together to form a central column. The corolla usually has 5 lobes, but these are barely noticeable because of an interconnecting fringe that is even taller than the lobes. The green calyx is much smaller than the corolla, and divided into 5 lanceolate segments. These segments may curl outward away from the flower rather than remaining upright. There is no noticeable floral scent.
Bottle Gentians prefer full or part sun, and moist, rich soil. They should be divided or transplanted only in spring, and mulched with pine straw, pine fines, or leaf compost. The small seeds can be transported by water or wind some distance from a mother plant. Vegetative reproduction does not normally occur. The plant can be propagated by seed or divisions of the root crown. Divide the root crowns in fall or early spring and plant 1 ft. apart. To protect the brittle crown, be sure to include a large ball of soil around the division when you lift it out. For seed propagation, the dried corolla remains intact around the smooth, pale brown capsule as it matures. Collect seeds just before the first hard freeze when the capsules begin to open
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image courtesy of David Schwaegler via flckr