How much sun does Parry's Gentian need?

Parry's Gentian grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Parry's Gentian bloom?

Parry's Gentian blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Parry's Gentian native?

Parry's Gentian (Gentiana parryi) is native to AZ, CO, NM, UT and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Parry's Gentian attract?

Parry's Gentian draws bees and butterflies.

Is Parry's Gentian HOA-friendly?

Parry's Gentian takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Parry's Gentian

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Gentiana parryi

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Parry's Gentian (Gentiana parryi) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 3"–8" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CO, NM, UT and 1 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains

Parry's gentian is a compact alpine perennial that forms neat clumps of small, rounded leaves. It produces striking deep blue trumpet-shaped flowers from midsummer through early fall, creating vibrant color displays in the garden.

In an HOA neighborhood

Parry's Gentian takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very short stature may appear sparse in formal settings
Alpine plant may struggle in typical suburban conditions
Limited availability makes it unfamiliar to most HOAs

Wildlife value

The showy blue flowers attract bees and butterflies during the late summer blooming period. This native plant provides important nectar sources when many other flowers have finished blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does Parry's Gentian need?: Parry's Gentian grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Parry's Gentian bloom?: Parry's Gentian blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Parry's Gentian native?: Parry's Gentian (Gentiana parryi) is native to AZ, CO, NM, UT and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Parry's Gentian attract?: Parry's Gentian draws bees and butterflies.
Is Parry's Gentian HOA-friendly?: Parry's Gentian takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Parry's Gentian? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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