Gentiana clausa Araucaria this clumping selection stood out

this clumping selection stood out for its vigor

starting for us in late May (NC)

Aucuba 'Suruga Benten' is a female clone

evergreen (even in Zone 5)

Gentiana clausa Araucaria this clumping selection stood outGentiana clausa, a North American native with a natural range from Maine south to western North Carolina, is a superb garden perennial. The deciduous stalks emerge in spring, stretching to 18", clothed with smooth green finger sized leaves. In late summer, the upper part of the stalks are adorned with axillary clusters of 1 2" long royal blue flowers that never open. Native bees are one of the few insects with the brute force to be able to open the