Shooting Star

Primula meadia

If you are looking for a plant that brings a touch of unique, “swept-back” elegance to your spring landscape, Shooting Star (Primula meadia, formerly Dodecatheon meadia) is a stunning choice.

This iconic spring ephemeral is famous for its distinct flowers that resemble tiny falling stars or shuttlecocks, with petals that flare backward to reveal a pointed yellow “beak.”

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Why You Should Plant Shooting Star

• Early Season “Buzz” Food: Shooting Star blooms in late spring (April to June), providing a critical early-season resource for Queen Bumblebees. The flowers require “buzz pollination,” where the bee vibrates its wing muscles at a specific frequency to release the pollen. Watching these fuzzy visitors interact with the unique flower shape is a highlight for any nature lover.
• A Woodland Jewel: This plant is perfect for those tricky “transition” areas of the garden. It thrives in open woodlands, savannas, and prairies. It adds a delicate, sophisticated texture to your garden beds before the larger, coarser summer plants take over the stage.
• Fascinating Lifecycle: As a spring ephemeral, Shooting Star does its hard work early. After it finishes blooming and drops its seeds, the plant goes dormant in the heat of summer. This makes it an excellent “interplanting” companion; you can plant it alongside later-blooming species that will grow to fill the space once the Shooting Star has finished its show.
• Remarkable Colors: Depending on your soil and the specific plant, the flowers can range from a crisp, pure white to a soft lavender or a deep, vibrant pink. All variations feature that signature golden-yellow center, creating a beautiful contrast that catches the light in the dappled shade.