Family: Pnmulaceae
Common Name: American Cowslip, Shooting Star

These pretty, herbaceous perennials are mostly native to North America. Borne on leafless stems up to 30 cm (12 in) tall, the flowers, with reflexed petals, resemble cyclamen. The soft, strap-like leaves form a clump at the base.

Species

D. alpinum, to 12 cm (5 in), produces magenta, yellow and white flowers in late spring.

D. clevelandii, to 30 cm (12 in), has violet-blue and yellow, or white, flowers in late spring.

D. hendersonii, to 30 cm (12 in), has violet and yellow flowers in late spring.

D. meadia, shoot­ing star, zone 3, is one of the species generally available, doing well in mountain gardens. It produces rose-purple flowers, with a white base and prominent yellow anthers, in early summer and grows 30-60 cm (12-24 in).

D. pulchellum, to 20 cm (8 in), has pale lilac and yellow flowers in mid to late spring.

Cultivation

Dodecalheon prefers a light, loamy soil, rich in leaf mould, and a sheltered, par­tially shaded position. It should be kept moist but well drained. Propagate by seed, which is slow to germinate. Sow in autumn and plant out in spring. Otherwise, divide two-year-old crowns in late tall or early winter in mild areas, and in early spring where it is cold.

Climate

Zone 6. Dodecatheon does best in cool climates.