Dodecatheon
Shooting star, American cowslip
- Height × spread
- 0.2m – 0.5m × 0.2m – 0.3m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 14 species of Shooting Star. They are generally found in North America, and are often a feature of woodlands. Their appearance usually attracts a positive response since their often upright flowering stems carry small pendulous flowers, often coloured in intense shades of cyclamen pink, cerise or magenta shades as well as white. They all produce flowers from a basal foliage clump which is otherwise unassuming in character. They need plenty of moisture whilst in growth. The smaller forms may be best observed in raised beds or rock gardens. Slugs and snails also love them which is a point to consider.
- Flower colour
- Pink, Purple, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cone
- Height
- 0.2m – 0.5m
- Spread
- 0.2m – 0.3m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Rock garden, Prairie garden
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Found in
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