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Article: Perennials waiting in the wings
- Article from:
- Telegraph - Herald (Dubuque)
- Article date:
- September 6, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2009 Telegraph - Herald (Dubuque). Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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Some perennials don't show their stuff until summer's end, but
the show is worth the wait.
One of my favorites is bottle gentian (Gentiana andrewsii), is a
standout when covered with its unique bottle-shaped blossoms. The
bright blue flowers contrast beautifully with the abundant yellows
of autumn, such as goldenrods, black-eyed susans and sunflowers.
Even without the flowers, bottle gentian is a handsome plant,
thanks to its glossy-green foliage. It has a semi-sprawling habit
and grows about two feet tall.
A Midwest native, bottle gentian makes itself right at home in
gardens in this region. It's extremely hardy and grows well in sun
or partial shade. Although it prefers to grow in moist ...