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Alpine RockeryHerbaceous Perennial

Dodecatheon pulchellum
  • RHS AGM

dark-throat shooting star

An herbaceous perennial to 30cm in height, with a rosette of lance-shaped leaves to 20cm in length, and umbels of deep cerise to rosy-purple flowers 2cm in length

Synonyms
Dodecatheon salinum
Dodecatheon pauciflorum misapplied
see moreDodecatheon littorale
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Purple Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Primulaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Dodecatheon are summer-dormant herbaceous perennials with basal rosettes of simple leaves and erect or arching stems bearing umbels of cyclamen-like flowers with strongly reflexed petals

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Western N America to Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in shade. Suitable for woodland or rock garden

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots in an open frame as soon as seed is ripe; seed needs exposure to cold before it will germinate or propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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