Common shooting star (Dodecatheon meadia) is a cool season perennial wildflower found in prairie and woodland areas of North America. A member of the Primrose family, the propagation and cultivation of shooting star can be used in the home garden, and to restore native grasslands. Propagating shooting star plants by seed takes a little extra effort while shooting star division is the simplest method of propagation.
Shooting Star Plant Propagation via Seed
Shooting stars may be propagated either by sowing seeds or by division. While propagating shooting star plants via seed is possible, keep in mind that the seeds need to go through a period of cold stratification before they are ready to plant and they grow very slowly.
After flowering, shooting star produces small, hard green capsules. These capsules are the fruit of the plant and contain seeds. Allow the pods to remain on the plants until the fall when they will have dried and are about to split open. Harvest the pods at this time and remove the seeds.
To stratify the seeds, put them in the refrigerator for about 90 days. Then in the spring, plant the seeds in a prepared bed.
How to Propagate Shooting Star by Division
If you are going to try shooting star plant propagation by dividing the plants, dig the mature crowns up in the fall when they are dormant. Divide the crowns and replant in a moist area, such as by a water feature or in a naturalized garden or in a rock garden.
Propagation of shooting star either via seed or division will guarantee a lovely field of star-like pendulous blossoms from late spring to early summer. Once the plants are established, shooting star will return year after year, rewarding you with its white, pink, or violet blooms.
Do keep in mind to protect early plants from deer and elk that enjoy dining on the tender early shoots in the spring.
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Shooting Star Division – How To Divide Shooting Star PlantsAs it is a perennial, dividing shooting star is the easiest and quickest method of propagation. Click here for tips on how to divide shooting star and create more of these whimsical plants to adorn your garden or share with a friend.
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Shooting Star Seed Propagation – How And When To Plant Shooting Star SeedsHardy to USDA plant zones 4 through 8, shooting star prefers partial or full shade and usually disappears completely when temps rise in summer. Growing shooting star from seed is the easiest way of propagation. Learn more about shooting star seed propagation here.
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When Does Shooting Star Bloom: Is My Shooting Star Plant DormantThe perennial flower “shooting star” is an early spring blooming wildflower that may be a perfect addition to growers’ wild landscapes. Click the following article for information on shooting star bloom time and see if this flower is a fit for your garden.
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Shooting Star Watering Guide: How To Water A Shooting Star PlantWhether you’re thinking of growing shooting star plants (Dodecatheon) in the garden or you already have some in the landscape, watering a shooting star properly is an important aspect to consider. Click here for information on the watering needs for this plant.
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Shooting Star Care - Information On Shooting Star PlantsGrowing shooting star wildflowers in the native home garden is easy and produces masses of the attractive blooms having yellow or lavender collars. Find out more in this article.
