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Description
Dodecatheon Frigidum, commonly known as the Arctic Shooting Star, is a beautiful flowering plant belonging to the Primulaceae family. It is a native of the northern regions of North America, including Alaska and Canada. The plant is known for its stunning and unique flowers that bloom in shades of pink and purple. The flowers grow on tall stems and have a distinctive shape that resembles a shooting star. The plant blooms in late spring and early summer, adding a splash of color to the landscape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Genus | Dodecatheon |
Appearance
The Arctic Shooting Star is a perennial plant that grows up to 20 inches tall. The leaves are long and narrow, with a dark green color and a slightly waxy texture. The flowers grow on long, thin stems that rise above the foliage. The flowers have a unique shape, with five petals that curve backward and form a tube-like structure. The petals are pink or purple, with a yellow center. The plant blooms in late spring and early summer, and the flowers last for several weeks.
Care Guide
The Arctic Shooting Star is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, sandy soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can reduce the number of flowers.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 2-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Arctic Shooting Star is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that may affect the plant:
- Slugs and snails: These pests can damage the foliage and flowers. Use slug bait or handpick them to control them.
- Mildew: The plant may develop powdery mildew in humid conditions. Spray with a fungicide to control it.
- Rust: The plant may develop rust, which appears as orange spots on the leaves. Remove and destroy the affected leaves to control it.
Habitat
The Arctic Shooting Star is a native of the northern regions of North America, including Alaska and Canada. It grows in open meadows, rocky slopes, and subalpine habitats. The plant prefers moist soil and can tolerate cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow the Arctic Shooting Star indoors?
A: No, the plant requires full sun and cool temperatures, making it unsuitable for indoor growing.
Q: How often should I fertilize the plant?
A: Fertilize the plant once every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: Can I divide the plant?
A: Yes, divide the plant in the spring when it is actively growing.
Q: Can I grow the Arctic Shooting Star from seeds?
A: Yes, sow the seeds in the fall in a well-drained soil mix. The seeds require cold stratification to germinate.
Related Plants
- Dodecatheon hendersonii
- Dodecatheon jeffreyi
- Dodecatheon media
- Dodecatheon pulchellum
References
- Arctic Shooting Star, University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service
- Dodecatheon Frigidum, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Dodecatheon Frigidum, North Carolina State University
