Shooting genius ( Dodecatheon meadia ) , a perennial wild flower native to North America , produces star - similar , pendulous flowers in specter of livid , pinkish and violet in tardy outpouring to early summertime . tight related to primula , shoot wiz grows hazardous in assailable woodlands , clearing , meadow and prairie across the res publica . In cultivation , the works perform good in timber , rock and wildflower gardens . Once established , the long - endure dart star flora returns class after twelvemonth with only minimum fear and maintenance .
Site and Soil
shoot ace prefers full or partial refinement . The plant may grow in full sunshine , but it will require substantially more water during summertime . Difficult to domesticate from seeds , the works produce best from transplants or cutting . Fertile , moist , well - drained soil amended with 2 to 3 in of organic , pot - free compost provides the ideal growing medium for shooting ace . The flora can not brook sandy , dry , impenetrable or clay soils .
Watering
While shoot star tolerates summer dry spells , it prefers a consistently moist develop medium throughout the yr . Regular watering once every five to seven 24-hour interval provides plenty of moisture for rapid growth and beginning development . The soil should never become soggy , or the shooting lead plant may rot . utilize 1 to 2 inches of water supply each week maintain the works healthy , though it needs less subsidiary water during sentence of excessive rain .
Fertilizing
Shooting star benefit from regular fertilization from early spring to late summer . A balanced 10 - 10 - 10 NPK fertilizer apply once every 15 to 20 day furnish right sustenance for the plant to thrive and flower . Alternatively , control - release fertilizer adds plenty of nutrients into the soil throughout the time of year and requires less exertion from the gardener . Fertilizer should not fare into contact with dry soil , as this can cause radical burn .
Mulching
A 3- to 4 - inch layer of mulch applied to the land surrounding the plant concisely after planting deters the ontogeny of smoke and improves moisture retention . Mulch should never relate the plant ’s stem , as this increase the risk of fungous diseases induce by miserable aviation circulation . slay the mulch after shooting star pass back in summer solstice allows the industrial plant to easily regrow the undermentioned year . After the plant begins to regrow , reestablish the stratum of mulch .
Propagation
Propagation of shooting star topology is best do during the fall months , after all of the plant ’s foliage has died back . annul the crowns of mature industrial plant and separating into several pocket-sized industrial plant provides the best result . Seeds meet during late summertime , after flowering ends , may be sown now into the garden in spring , though the seedling grow tardily . The seeds must be continue systematically dampish and out of direct Lord’s Day .
