Dodecatheon meadia AGM

Shooting Stars Primulaceae

A classic North American wildflower and arguably the showiest and most widely distributed of the Shooting Stars, Dodecatheon meadia produces a low rosette of smooth, lance-shaped leaves, followed in spring by erect, leafless stems carrying umbels of wonderfully eccentric, nodding flowers. The pink, rose, lavender or occasionally white petals are dramatically reflexed backwards around a prominent cone of yellow and purple stamens—looking rather like a tiny comet travelling in the wrong direction. 

Native across much of central and eastern North America, from southern Canada through the central and eastern USA, it occurs in prairies, glades, open woodland and rocky, often calcareous ground. It is a spring ephemeral, disappearing into summer dormancy once flowering and seed production are complete. 

Now botanically accepted as Primula meadia, although Dodecatheon meadia remains the familiar horticultural name. Grow in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in sun or light shade.

Height: 30–45cm
Spread: 20–30cm
Flowering: April–June
Hardiness: H5, approximately −15 to −10°C
Aspect: Sun or partial shade
Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well drained
Summer: Dormant