While frequent planting of bulbs and annual flowers may become expensive, the addition of cold hardy perennials is an excellent way to ensure a beautiful floral display, while maintaining a modest garden budget. The perennial flower “shooting star” is an early spring, blooming wildflower that may be a perfect addition to growers’ wild landscapes. Keep reading for information on shooting star bloom time and see if this flower is a fit for your garden.
When Does Shooting Star Bloom?
Shooting star (Dodecatheon meadia) is a native wildflower which grows as a perennial in a large portion of the eastern half of the United States. Unlike bulbs, gardeners may purchase bare root plants online or propagate the plants from seed. However, those who have never grown the plant before may be left to wonder about the plant’s growth habit and period of bloom. Shooting star plant blooms appear from a small, rosette plant base. Shooting up on stalks that reach about 8 inches (20.5 cm.) in height, these dainty, five-petaled flowers come in colors ranging from white to light purple. While some plants may take longer to become established, many mature plants are able to send up multiple flower stalks, resulting in a small cluster of flowers. Growers should expect this flower to be among the first to bloom in early spring as the weather begins to warm.
Is My Shooting Star Plant Dormant?
Like many early spring flowers, shooting star bloom time is brief and does not extend into the summer. By the middle of summer, changes in the plant and the disappearance of blooms may cause concern for first-time growers that something is wrong. However, this is simply the process by which the plant prepares itself for the next growing season. If left to wonder, “Is shooting star done flowering?”, there are a few signs that may confirm this. The formation of seed pods is a sure sign that your plant may be entering dormancy soon. While short, the shooting star blooming period will add flare and interest to spring gardens, even while temperatures are still cool.
