SHOOTING STAR 'RED WINGS' Dodecatheon pulchellum

Distinctive long, red swept-back petals. Resembles tiny cyclamen flowers on primula stems (and related to both). The clusters of flowers are held on strong stems above clumps of fleshy tongue-shaped leaves.

Type: Perennial

Height: 30cm, 12"

Location: Part sun or part shade

Hardiness zones: 3-8

Seeds per pack: 5

Germination: As with many perennial seeds, these seeds require a period of moist cold to help them break dormancy. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:

Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 4-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout a few weeks, or occasionally several months, after the warming period.