About
Dodecatheon dentatum, the toothed American cowslip, is a summer-dormant perennial forming a clump of toothed, oval leaves, with nodding, white, cyclamen-like flowers 2 cm long in terminal domed heads on stems to 30 cm in late spring. A charming and ornamental shooting star for a moist, partly shaded woodland border.
About the genus
Dodecatheon, the shooting stars or American cowslips, are summer-dormant, rosette-forming herbaceous perennials with basal rosettes of simple leaves and erect stems bearing umbels of cyclamen-like flowers with strongly reflexed petals in spring. Charming woodland and rock-garden plants for moist, partly shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
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
Native toW North America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade. Suitable for woodland or rock garden
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in pots in an open frame as soon as seed is ripe; seed needs exposure to cold before it will germinate or propagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free