Dodecatheon meadia (shooting stars) is the best known of this genus of about 14 species, mainly from North America and Siberia. They are also known as the American cowslip and prairie pointer. Although they are sometimes referred to as ‘Shooting stars’ they are a member of the Primula family.
These fascinating spring flowering plants could also be grown in pots in a shaded position. Flowers (shooting stars) appear on tall stalks 20 – 60 cm depending on species and conditions.
Some species and cultivars have outstanding flowers, with actual flower colour varying from pale tones to stronger pinks.
Look for ‘Queen Victoria’ (Dodecatheon meadia) which is pictured right, lovely cyclamen pink flowers during spring.
Dodecatheon Care
Dodecatheon or ‘shooting stars’, are a woodland plant and as such they do grow best in a filtered shade position in a humus rich well drained soil. pH 5 to 7.
Keep plants moist, we recommend mulch around plants when they appear in spring for extra care.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Dodecatheon meadia.
- Common Name – Shooting Stars.
- Position – Best in afternoon shade.
- Soil – Humus rich and well drained – especially over winter.
- Height – To around 60 cm.
- Spread – To 30 cm.
- Flowers – Varying shades of pink to violet.
- Flowering Time – Spring.
- Foliage – Mid to deep green.
Varieties and Species
Dodecatheon clevelandii is a great plant for partial shade in a well drained situation with a dry dormant summer period.
Other popular Species include D. meadia, D. clevlandii var Insulare and D. hendersoni.
Other Dodecatheon Species:
- D. alpinum.
- D. conjugans.
- D. cruciatum.
- D. cusickii.
- D. dentatum.
- D. frigidum.
- D. integrifolium.
- D. jeffreyi.
- D. pauciflorum.
- D. poeticum.
- D. pulchellum.
- D. redolens.
Dodecatheon Propagation
How to grow ‘Shooting Stars’ Plants from seed.
Shooting Star seeds are best sown in late autumn to early winter in a cold frame . Seeds can be stratified first by placing in a zip lock plastic bag in the refrigerator for 6 – 8 weeks.
Some growers place the seeds on a barely damp paper towel in a zip lock bag in the refrigerator. We have found that these are not the easiest seed to germinate, so unless you are patient, go for established plants.
Dodecatheon Plants (shooting star plants) and Bulbs are available for for sale from the following nurseries.
'Sylvan Vale' 375 Olinda Creek Rd, Kalorama, VIC.3766
Including a large range of Rare and unusual bulbs, corms and perennials
www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au
21 Eridge Park Rd Bowral NSW 2576
Large range of rare plants, bulbs, trees and shrubs for sale online from our Southern Highlands NSW nurseries.
www.moidartrareplantsandgarden.com
1070 Jacksons Track, Jindivick 3818
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.jindivickcountrygardener.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au