Dodecatheon pulchellum (Dark Throat Shooting Star) is a charming herbaceous perennial boasting umbels of 8-20 brilliant magenta to deep cerise flowers, 1 in. long (2 cm), resembling cyclamen blooms. Each flower has 5 swept-back petals adorned with a white collar at their base and a yellow ring, under which five stamens join to form a downward-pointing beak. Blooming from late spring to early summer, the charming blossoms are borne on upright, leafless, flower scapes that rise from a basal rosette of lance-shaped, deep green leaves. The entire plant dies down when summer arrives. Dodecatheon pulchellum is one of the most beautiful spring wildflowers. A colony of these plants in bloom is a sight to behold. A delightful addition to any garden.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm) and 4 in. wide (10 cm)
• Performs best in full sun or part shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Avoid poorly-drained, wet soils, particularly in winter. Needs moisture during the growing season and dry conditions when dormant.
• Excellent choice for beds and borders, underplanting shrubs and roses, cottage gardens, woodland gardens, or rock gardens.
• Virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails.
• Propagate by seed in pots in an open frame as soon as seed is ripe; seed needs exposure to cold before it will germinate or propagate by division in spring.
• Native to western North America to Mexico.