About

A clump-forming, summer-dormant perennial with basal rosettes of leaves and flowering stems to 30cm high bearing clusters of 5-6 nodding flowers in spring; flowers are characterised by white to purple wavy and reflexed petals tinged at the base with yellow and dark purple stamens.

About the genus

Dodecatheon are summer-dormant herbaceous perennials with basal rosettes of simple leaves and erect or arching stems bearing umbels of cyclamen-like flowers with strongly reflexed petals

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden

Care notes

CultivationGrows well in humus-rich soils with abundant moisture in the growing season; keep dry throughout the summer when plants are dormant
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown as soon as ripe in containers in a coldframe or by division in spring. Seeds need cold exposure for germination
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails on young growth
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free