Primula pauciflora
dark-throated shooting star
Overview
Primula pauciflora, formerly placed in Dodecatheon spp., is a herbaceous perennial wildflower growing 4-16 in (10-40 cm) tall from a basal rosette of smooth, oblong to spoon-shaped leaves 1-6 in (2.5-15 cm) long. In spring, leafless stalks rise above the rosette and carry one to several nodding flowers in an umbel. Each flower has five swept-back petals in shades of magenta to lavender-pink, exposing a pointed cone of fused yellow anthers ringed with dark maroon and yellow bands at the base, producing the characteristic shooting-star form. The species is native to western North America across a wide range of habitats, from coastal bluffs and moist meadows to montane slopes. It grows in USDA zones 4 to 8 and goes dormant by mid summer after seed set, disappearing until the following spring. It needs moisture during spring growth but dry conditions during summer dormancy, and soils that stay wet in summer cause the roots to rot.
Native Range
Primula pauciflora is native to western North America, ranging from Alaska and western Canada south through the western United States into Mexico. It grows across diverse habitats, including coastal bluffs, moist meadows, streambanks, and montane slopes.Suggested Uses
Used in rock gardens, woodland edges, and native spring meadows where it can go dormant undisturbed in summer, spaced 6-10 in (15-25 cm) apart. The early flowers are visited by bumblebees, which buzz-pollinate the anthers.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'4"
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, generally March to June depending on elevation, with higher-elevation populations blooming later. Each stalk carries one to several nodding flowers that open over 2-3 weeks. The plant goes dormant soon after flowering and seed set.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
magenta to lavender-pink with yellow and maroon centerFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Primula pauciflora grows in full sun to part shade and well-drained soils with pH from 5.5 to 7.0, kept moist during spring growth. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8 and enters summer dormancy after flowering, needing drier conditions while dormant. Water needs are moderate in spring and low in summer, and soils that remain saturated through summer cause root and crown rot. The basal rosette reappears in late winter or early spring. It establishes slowly from seed and does not transplant well once settled.Pruning
Leave the foliage in place until it yellows and withers after flowering, as it fuels the roots for the next season. Spent flower stalks can be removed unless seed is wanted. No other pruning is needed for this summer-dormant perennial.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons