Dodecatheon clevelandii ‘Padres Shooting Star’ is a distinctive native wildflower known for its captivating blooms that resemble shooting stars. This perennial adds natural beauty to gardens and landscapes.
Characteristics of Padres Shooting Star
Padres Shooting Star features a distinctive flower structure. Each delicate flower has four to five swept-back petals, typically magenta, pink, or white, with a yellow ring at the base. Five stamens form a downward-pointing, beak-like shape, completing its “shooting star” appearance. These one-inch blossoms emerge in clusters of 2 to 16 on upright, leafless stems up to 16 inches tall. Its foliage consists of broad, rounded, light-green leaves in a basal rosette, remaining low to the ground.
Native to Southern California and Baja California, this plant grows in habitats like hillsides, inland valleys, oak woodlands, and open grassy slopes. It is a perennial spring ephemeral, completing its life cycle quickly in spring before going dormant during hot, dry summers. It is one of the first wildflowers to emerge, blooming from winter into mid-spring.
Cultivating Padres Shooting Star
Ideal Growing Conditions
Padres Shooting Star thrives in partial shade, especially in warmer climates, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler regions with consistent moisture. Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil is essential, remaining consistently moist during its active growing season. While it tolerates clay soils, adding organic matter improves structure and fertility. An optimal soil pH ranges from slightly acidic to neutral. The plant prefers cool, moist conditions during its winter and spring growth, followed by dry conditions during summer dormancy.
Planting Instructions
When planting Padres Shooting Star, sow seeds in the fall. Seeds often require cold stratification for germination, which can be done by refrigerating them with moist sand. Surface sow seeds or press them lightly into the soil, as light aids germination. For nursery starts or dividing existing plants, fall is also the preferred time. Space plants about 4 inches apart to allow for colony formation.
Watering Needs
Consistent moisture is important for Padres Shooting Star during its active growth from winter through spring. The plant requires regularly moist soil but is sensitive to waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. As temperatures rise and the plant enters summer dormancy, significantly reduce watering. Mulching helps retain soil moisture during the growing season and keeps roots cool.
Nutrient Requirements
Padres Shooting Star generally has minimal fertilization needs, especially in nutrient-rich soil. Over-fertilizing can be detrimental. If soil lacks nutrients, apply a light, balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Alternatively, a higher phosphorus fertilizer, like a 10-60-10 formulation, can promote blooming. Always apply fertilizer to moist soil and water thoroughly. Fertilization is not necessary during summer dormancy.
Ongoing Care and Dormancy
After blooming concludes in mid to late spring, Padres Shooting Star enters its dormant phase. Its foliage yellows and dies back as temperatures rise and soil dries, allowing the plant to conserve energy as an underground corm through summer. During dormancy, avoid disturbing the plant’s location. Reduce or cease watering to prevent corm rot. Marking the plant’s spot can prevent accidental damage. Minimal pruning, such as removing spent flower stems, is optional for aesthetics.
Propagating Padres Shooting Star
Padres Shooting Star can be propagated by dividing its underground corms or by growing from seed. Division is often quicker. The best time to divide corms is in the fall when the plant is dormant. Carefully dig up mature plants, gently separate corms ensuring each has at least one bud, and replant them immediately.
Growing from seed takes longer to reach flowering size, typically four or more years. Collect seeds from dried capsules in the fall. Seeds require cold stratification to break dormancy, which can be achieved by refrigerating them for 90 days or through natural winter stratification outdoors. Sow stratified seeds on the soil surface in fall. Maintain consistent moisture, avoiding waterlogging, until germination occurs, which can take several weeks to months.