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Primula hendersonii
Henderson's shooting star
Overview
Primula hendersonii, formerly classified as Dodecatheon hendersonii, is a spring-flowering perennial that grows from a small cluster of fleshy roots and rice-grain bulblets. It forms a basal rosette of oval to spoon-shaped leaves 1-6 inches (3-15 cm) long, from which one or more leafless stalks rise 6-16 inches (15-40 cm). Each stalk carries an umbel of several nodding flowers whose magenta to lavender-pink petals sweep sharply backward, leaving a forward-pointing cone of fused yellow and dark-purple stamens. This reflexed shape gives the genus its shooting-star common name. After flowering, the plant sets capsules and the foliage withers, entering summer dormancy by early to mid summer. P. hendersonii grows in oak woodlands, grassy slopes, and coastal bluffs, where soils stay moist in winter and spring but dry through summer. It spreads slowly by bulblets, forming loose patches over time. One limitation is its dormancy: the rosette disappears entirely in summer, leaving bare ground, and the dormant roots can rot under summer irrigation. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9.
Native Range
Native to western North America, from British Columbia south through California to Baja California. It occupies oak woodlands, grassy hillsides, and coastal bluffs at low to middle elevations.Suggested Uses
Planted in rock gardens, native plant gardens, and woodland edges where summer watering is limited. It combines with summer-dormant bulbs and grasses that share its dry-summer rhythm.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'4"
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, generally March through May depending on elevation, with each umbel lasting two to four weeks. The nodding flowers are buzz-pollinated by bumblebees, which vibrate the anther cone to release pollen. Bloom finishes before summer drought sets in.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Magenta to lavender-pink with yellow and maroon stamensFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow P. hendersonii in part shade to filtered sun with soil that stays moist through winter and spring. Sharp drainage matters, as the roots rot in soils that remain wet during the summer dormant period. Withhold water once the foliage yellows and the plant goes dormant. Set the small bulblets and root clusters in the ground in autumn, 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) deep, ahead of winter rains. A gritty, humus-amended soil suits it in cultivation. Established clumps need little care and increase slowly from offsets.Pruning
No pruning is required. Allow the leaves and flower stalks to die back naturally after seed set, since this feeds the roots for the next year. Remove the dried remains once they detach easily.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons