Shooting Star Also known as American cowslip, Dodecatheon meadia is a compact, clump-forming herbaceous perennial with a basal rosette of light green leaves, rather like those of primroses, to which they are related. In April and May, nodding pinkish-mauve flowers with a paler mouth, reflexed petals and pointed stigmas are borne on tall stems above the leaves. An elegant and unusual flower, it is ideal for a woodland garden, or a shady rockery. Shooting star holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Site: ShelteredSoil: Any moist but well-drained, humus-rich soilPosition: Partial shadeSeason of interest: Mid- to late springHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 12” (30cm); Spread: 8” (20cm)