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Description
Dodecatheon Meadia, commonly known as Shooting Star, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. It belongs to the Primulaceae family and has showy flowers that bloom in spring. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide, with a basal rosette of leaves and upright stems that support the flowers. Each stem can have multiple flowers that are pink to purple in color and have a distinctive shape resembling a shooting star. The plant has a long blooming period of 4-6 weeks and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Primulales |
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Genus | Dodecatheon |
Appearance
Dodecatheon Meadia has a basal rosette of lance-shaped leaves that are dark green and slightly hairy. The leaves can grow up to 8 inches long and 1 inch wide. The plant produces upright stems that can grow up to 2 feet tall and have multiple flowers. The flowers are pink to purple in color, have five petals that are fused at the base, and a distinctive shape resembling a shooting star. Each flower can be up to 1 inch long and 1 inch wide. The plant blooms in spring and has a long blooming period of 4-6 weeks.
Care Guide
Dodecatheon Meadia is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow in the right conditions. Here are some care tips:- Water: The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry periods.- Fertilization: Fertilize once a year with a balanced fertilizer in early spring.- Soil: The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. In hot climates, it benefits from afternoon shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dodecatheon Meadia is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot if grown in humid conditions. To prevent these diseases, ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. The plant can also attract slugs and snails, which can be controlled with baits or by handpicking.
Habitat
Dodecatheon Meadia is native to North America, where it grows in moist meadows, prairies, and open woods. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Dodecatheon Meadia tolerate drought conditions?
A: No, the plant prefers moist soil and does not tolerate drought conditions well.
Q: When is the best time to plant Dodecatheon Meadia?
A: The plant can be planted in spring or fall, but spring planting is recommended for better establishment.
Q: How do I propagate Dodecatheon Meadia?
A: The plant can be propagated by division in spring or fall.
Q: Can Dodecatheon Meadia be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and the soil is kept moist.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Dodecatheon Meadia:- Dodecatheon Amethystinum (Amethyst Shooting Star)- Primula Veris (Cowslip)- Primula Vulgaris (Common Primrose)- Primula Florindae (Giant Cowslip)- Primula Obconica (German Primrose)
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden: Dodecatheon Meadia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=n290- USDA Plants Database: Dodecatheon Meadia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=DOME2- North Carolina State University: Dodecatheon Meadia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/dodecatheon-meadia/
