Dark Throat Shooting Star (Dodecatheon pulchellum)
This adorable little ephemeral wildflower is one of the easiest natives to grow from seed! Dark Throat Shooting Stars are surprisingly tough little plants. Give them sun-part shade in a garden location that receives seasonal rains with little standing water and let them be! These little guys will take it from there. Similar to bulbs, Shooting Stars can be tucked in and around bushes and other perennials in the garden to give some spring green before other plants wake. They'll happily grow in forest edges, meadows, along fence lines, and in rock gardens. They are a great companion to Western Columbine, Camas, Douglas Meadowfoam, Deer Fern, Monkeyflowers and more.
Mid-late February their leaves will start to emerge followed by clusters of dainty flowers in mid-April - May. By the height of Summer these little guys will have disappeared once again until the following Spring. While dormant they require no care, and prefer no water until the Fall rains return. Dark Throat Shooting Stars are a wonderful way to welcome the Spring!
Each seed packet contains 50 seeds and germination instructions are included.
Dark Throat Shooting Star at a glance
- Ave. growth dimensions - 12-16 inches tall x 8-12 inches wide
- Dormancy - Spring ephemeral, disappearing with the summer heat. Leaves emerge again in late Winter
- Plant type - Perennial herb
- Sun - Full sun - part shade
- Water - Medium - moist but not wet
- Flowering time - April - May
- Flower color - Light purple - pinkish purple
- Soil preference - Adaptable, prefers some soil moisture, but can grow in gravelly clay.