How to grow shooting star – for a tough yet pretty flowering ground cover that thrives in shady yards

There’s something odd and beautiful about Dodecatheon, or shooting star, with unusual petals flung back like they’re caught in the wind. They remind me of cyclamen or erythronium in shape and form.

Native to North America, these dainty blooms are pretty hardy, usually forming clumps of rosettes and throwing up their flower stalks in early spring. In the right spot – somewhere a little shady and with moist soil – they should naturalize without any need for intervention from you.

So, if you’re after a new perennial but fancy something that your next-door neighbor won't have in their yard, not just another hosta or fern, I’d give Dodecatheon a go. Here, one expert plant expert from Wisconsin reveals why she loves this native species, and the tips of the trade to ensure they spread across your plot.

How to grow shooting star

These part-shade perennials are native to North America, growing in damp environments such as alpine meadows and moist prairies. There are many different species and varieties, ranging from white to pink to purple.

Growing habits for shooting star

'Shooting star is a hardy woodland plant that can be grown from zone 4 plus,' says plant expert, Katie Sunderlage.

Shooting star seeds are available from Amazon.

'The simplest way to grow them? From Seed,' Katie continues. 'I would do this in the fall to allow time for root development.

'The seeds need light to germinate successfully, so it’s important to sow them right on the surface of the soil. A great method to use is mixing seeds with sand and scattering them throughout the planting area.

'Choose a location in part sun, avoiding the hot afternoon sun, and well-drained soil. It is also crucial to water well after seeds are sown and continue regular watering throughout the sprouting season, keeping the soil moist but not saturated.

'Once established, Dodecatheons are generally very low maintenance, and you should be enjoying a carpet of delicate blooms for the years to come.'

Katie Sunderlage

Operations Manager at Holland Group, managing the customer service department and purchasing. Katie has been in the green industry since 2005 in the Greater Milwaukee area, earning her degree in Horticulture in 2008. She has been able to share her love for plants working in multiple garden centers, in sales positions and most recently in an online retail platform at Holland Group.

Care guide for shooting star

Soil: Shooting star plants tend to do best in damp, fertile soil. I would avoid growing them or scattering seed in dry, rocky or poor soils, to avoid disappointment. Instead, opt for woodland-like borders. 'Some mulching around plants to help retain moisture,' Katie advises, 'and keep your soil in good condition.' Try using something like this organic mulch from Back to the Roots, available now via Walmart.

Light: Part-shade is best for these short-lived perennials, ideally in the dappled light under a shrub or tree. While you can try deep shade, chances are their growth will be very slow.

Watering: Shooting star plants need consistently moist soil to thrive. 'Watering during drought times is necessary to maintain overall health,' Katie says. 'Ideally, supplemental watering won't be necessary as the soil will retain moisture in a damp bed.'

Fertilizing: 'Mulching will feed and nourish the soil with organic matter,' Katie says, 'and other than that, I would not advise any supplemental feeding.'

Pruning: No pruning or deadheading is required for this species. Allow plants to set seed so that they spread across the yard. Any yellow or brown leaves can be removed in early spring to tidy up, too.

Toxicity: They are generally not considered toxic for either humans or pets.

FAQs

Can I grow shooting star in pots?

I would not recommend growing shooting star in pots, simply because this perennial has a short season. So, once the spring blooms have been and gone, you will be left staring at pots with rosettes of green leaves, and little else. So, keep them in borders where you can combine them with successor perennials to continue the colorful show.

'Since shooting star plants tend to start dying back when temperatures start to rise in spring, it’s good to choose companion plants that require the same general needs but will also help fill in the gap once this plant is dormant,' says Katie.

'Some great options are wild geranium, woodland phlox, ferns and trillium, all of which like a damp, shadier spot.'

For more inspiration, see our guide on the best plants for under trees, and fill your yard with joyful perennials.

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