Shooting Star strip

Dodecatheon meadia is a unique and elegant perennial that brings a touch of the unusual to the spring woodland garden. It produces basal rosettes of pale green, spoon-shaped leaves from which tall, leafless stems arise. At the top of these stems, the flowers are held in clusters; each bloom has petals that are reflexed backwards, while the stamens form a pointed 'beak', giving them the appearance of a shuttlecock or a shooting star. The flowers are typically a soft pink or lavender with a yellow and dark ring at the base. Native to North American prairies and woods, it is perfectly hardy in the UK (H5). It prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade. A notable characteristic is that it goes completely dormant shortly after flowering in early summer, so it should be planted near late-developing plants like ferns to cover the bare ground. It is a delicate-looking but resilient choice for the enthusiast.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: May, Jun.