Dodecatheon meadia RHS AGM P9

Dodecatheon meadia, commonly known as the shooting star, is a charming, spring-blooming wildflower native to North America. Growing 20–40 cm tall, it forms basal rosettes of lance-shaped leaves from which rise slender stems topped with nodding, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink to deep magenta. The petals sweep back dramatically, giving the impression of stars streaking across the sky.

It thrives in partial shade to full sun, preferring moist, well-drained soil, and is perfect for woodland gardens, naturalized borders, or wildflower meadows. Once established, it is low-maintenance and long-lived.

Interesting fact: The flowers of Dodecatheon meadia are pollinated by bees that perform “buzz pollination”, vibrating their bodies to release the pollen — a fascinating example of plant-insect teamwork in action.

Awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. (RHS AGM).

Plant Photo credit: C T Johansson, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons