Dodecatheon Clevelandii Subsp. Clevelandii is a stunning plant that belongs to the family of Primulaceae. It is native to California, particularly in the southern parts of the state, and is commonly known as the Cleveland shooting star. This plant is a herbaceous perennial and is known for its showy and unique flowers.
Contents
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Genus | Dodecatheon |
Appearance
The Cleveland shooting star grows up to 1-2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It is a clump-forming plant with basal leaves that are oval-shaped and grow up to 6 inches long. The leaves are dark green in color and have a glossy texture.
The flowers of the Cleveland shooting star are the most eye-catching feature of the plant. They grow on tall stems and are bell-shaped with five petals that are reflexed backwards. The petals are pink to lavender in color and have a yellow center. The flowers bloom in the spring and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
The Cleveland shooting star is a low maintenance plant, but it still requires proper care to thrive. Here are some essential care tips:
Water
The Cleveland shooting star prefers moist soil, so it is essential to water the plant regularly. Water the plant deeply once a week, but make sure not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The Cleveland shooting star does not require frequent fertilization. Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
Soil
The Cleveland shooting star prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Make sure to plant it in a location with good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Sunlight
The Cleveland shooting star prefers partial shade to full sun exposure. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can prevent the plant from blooming.
Hardiness Zones
The Cleveland shooting star is hardy in USDA zones 7-10. It can tolerate cold temperatures as low as 0°F (-18°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cleveland shooting star is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can still be susceptible to some pests and diseases, including:
Pests
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Slugs and snails
Diseases
- Root rot
- Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew
- Bacterial diseases such as leaf spot
Habitat
The Cleveland shooting star is native to California and is commonly found in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. It grows in open areas, including meadows, grasslands, and rocky slopes. The plant thrives in well-draining soil and prefers partial shade to full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Cleveland shooting star a hardy plant?
A: Yes, the Cleveland shooting star is hardy in USDA zones 7-10 and can tolerate cold temperatures as low as 0°F (-18°C).
Q: What is the best soil type for the Cleveland shooting star?
A: The Cleveland shooting star prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: How often should I water the Cleveland shooting star?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week, but make sure not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: What pests and diseases are common in the Cleveland shooting star?
A: The Cleveland shooting star is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can still be susceptible to pests such as aphids and diseases such as powdery mildew.
Related Plants
- Dodecatheon hendersonii
- Dodecatheon jeffreyi
- Dodecatheon pulchellum
References
- “Dodecatheon clevelandii subsp. clevelandii.” Calflora.
- “Dodecatheon clevelandii subsp. clevelandii.” San Diego Zoo Global.
- “Dodecatheon clevelandii subsp. clevelandii.” Las Pilitas Nursery.
