Shooting Star

Also known as American cowslip, Dodecatheon meadia is a compact, clump-forming herbaceous perennial with a basal rosette of light green leaves, rather like those of primroses, to which they are related. In April and May, nodding pinkish-mauve flowers with a paler mouth, reflexed petals and pointed stigmas are borne on tall stems above the leaves. An elegant and unusual flower, it is ideal for a woodland garden, or a shady rockery. Shooting star holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil
Position: Partial shade
Season of interest: Mid- to late spring
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 12 (30cm); Spread: 8 (20cm)