Shooting Star Queen Victoria (Dodecatheon)

DutchGrown proudly presents the 'Queen Victoria' Dodecatheon meadia, a cherished jewel in the gardening world, now available as exquisite bare root plants.

Belonging to the Primulaceae family and often referred to as the Shooting Star, this variety stands up to 40 centimetres tall. It originates from eastern and central North America and is quite undemanding in its care, thriving in both clay and woodland soils. Adorned with large, ornate pink blossoms that narrow to dark tips facing the earth, it blooms from late spring to early summer, preferring moist winters and drier summers.

The Shooting Star's watering needs are moderate, requiring about 2.5 cm of water per week during its peak flowering time, with reduced needs during the summer's peak. Its ability to enter dormancy in summer is a natural drought resistance strategy.

Opting for bare root plants allows for the development of a strong and healthy root system from the beginning, promising a vibrant and enduring display in your garden.

These precious bare root plants are dispatched in the spring, aligning with the best planting season to ensure your 'Queen Victoria' plants thrive from the start, adding a touch of enchantment to your garden.

This is an unparalleled opportunity to welcome the rare and stunning 'Queen Victoria' Dodecatheon meadia into your garden. Its unique beauty elevates it from a mere plant to a garden centrepiece, bringing a sense of sophistication and wonder to your outdoor space. Don't miss the chance to transform your garden into a haven of rare and striking beauty with DutchGrown's exceptional selection.

It's useful to note that when first growing Shooting Star, it can be disappointing to see the plant appear to wither with the summer heat. This is a typical behaviour for many wildflowers, a dormancy mechanism for survival. You may see the basal growth re-emerge as autumn arrives and almost definitely by the following spring. Marking the plant's spot with a small stake is advisable to avoid accidentally disturbing it during its dormant phase.

• Family: Primulaceae
• Genus: Dodecatheon
• Scientific name: Dodecatheon meadia 'Queen Victoria'
• Common name: Shooting star
• Colour: Light pink flowers with a wide yellow and white band at the base
• Plant type: Perennial
• Height: 40cm
• Sun / shade: Location with partial sun is ideal
• Evergreen: No
• Moisture: Soil needs to be rich in humus and constantly moist, yet not waterlogged
• Use: Ornamental - borers, pond edges, rock gardens
• Foliage: elongated leaves with dentate edges
• Fertilizer: Shooting star plants don't need supplemental fertilizer