Overview
Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. var. album (Suksdorf) Boivin, also known as the White Alpine Shooting Star, is a native plant species found in the western parts of North America. It belongs to the Primulaceae family and is a small, perennial herbaceous plant.
Appearance
The White Alpine Shooting Star has a basal rosette of leaves that hover over the ground. Emerging from the center of this cluster of leaves are multiple stems that grow up to 6 to 10 inches tall. These stems bear several flowers with stunning white petals with a yellow or greenish-yellow center. The flowers look like shooting stars, hence the common name.
Origin and Distribution
The White Alpine Shooting Star is a native plant species to the western regions of North America, ranging from British Columbia and Alberta in Canada, to California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas in the United States. It commonly grows in the alpine and subalpine zones on rocky slopes, meadows, and forest clearings.
Uses
While the White Alpine Shooting Star is mostly appreciated and admired for its ornamental value, it has also been used by some Native American communities for medicinal purposes. The Okanagan-Colville communities used the root of the plant topically to treat wounds, while the Tlingit communities used a decoction made from the roots to relieve toothaches.
Light Requirements
Dodecatheon pulchellum var. album requires partial shade to full sun exposure for optimal growth. The plant grows well in light to dappled shade, but too much shade can cause it to become leggy and weak. On the other hand, too much sun exposure can scorch the leaves and flowers. Therefore, it is best to provide the plant with a balanced amount of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to mountainous regions of western North America, where it grows in cool temperatures. Therefore, it prefers a temperate climate with mild summers and cold winters. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as -30 °F (-34 °C) but cannot withstand extreme heat. During hot weather, the plant can wilt and die, so it is important to keep it in a cool environment.
Soil Requirements
Dodecatheon pulchellum var. album prefers moist, well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy, loam, and rocky soils. However, it does not tolerate clay soils and poorly drained soils, which can cause root rot. Therefore, it is best to plant the flowers in a raised bed or improve the soil with organic matter before planting.
Cultivation
Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. var. album (Suksdorf) Boivin can be grown in containers or directly in the ground. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun exposure. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 55°F and 75°F.
Watering Needs
Watering is an important aspect of the care of Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. var. album (Suksdorf) Boivin. It requires moderate watering levels, and you must avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Watering once every 2-3 days should be sufficient for this plant.
Fertilization
Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. var. album (Suksdorf) Boivin requires balanced fertilizer for its healthy growth. You can use a slow-release fertilizer, a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer, or a half-strength liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to keep the plant healthy and vibrant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the aesthetic appeal of Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. var. album (Suksdorf) Boivin. You must remove dead or diseased leaves from the plant regularly. At the end of the flowering season, prune back the spent flower stems to promote new growth.
Propagation of Dodecatheon pulchellum var. album
Dodecatheon pulchellum var. album, commonly known as White shooting star, is a beautiful plant that can be propagated by three methods
Seed propagation
The most common and easiest method of propagation is from seed. The plant produces seedpods after flowering. Wait until the capsules turn brown and dry and then gather them before they burst open. The seeds must be sown quickly because they lose their viability quickly. Sow the seeds in a sterile potting mix and keep them in a warm and humid environment until they germinate. The seedlings can be transplanted into individual containers once they have developed a few true leaves.
Division propagation
Division propagation is the next most straightforward and productive method of propagating Dodecatheon pulchellum var. album. Divide the plant in the early spring, just as new growth appears. Carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the root ball into several healthy plants. Each division should have a few leaves and roots and should be replanted immediately in a well-draining soil mix.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings can also be used for propagation. Take cuttings of young stem tips, preferably from the base, that are about 3-4 inches tall, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cuttings into a rooting hormone, insert them into moist stepped sand or vermiculite, and mist them lightly with water regularly. The cuttings will root in about six weeks and can be transplanted to individual containers.
Propagation of Dodecatheon pulchellum var. album is relatively easy, and with proper care, the new plants will be a beautiful ornamental addition to any garden landscape.
Disease Management
Dodecatheon pulchellum var. album is generally a healthy plant. However, it may get affected by some fungal diseases, most notably powdery mildew and rust.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a common disease that occurs in humid climatic conditions and can seriously affect the growth and development of Dodecatheon pulchellum var. album. The first sign of the disease is the white powdery substance that appears on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, it is important to prune the affected parts and improve air circulation around the plant. Additionally, you can apply fungicides to the plant to control the disease.
Rust
Rust is another fungal disease that affects Dodecatheon pulchellum var. album. The disease is characterized by yellowish-orange spots that form on the leaves of the plant. The infected leaves will ultimately dry and fall off the plant. To manage rust, it is important to remove the infected plant material and dispose of it carefully. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Pest Management
Dodecatheon pulchellum var. album is relatively resistant to pests. However, it may get infested by aphids, spider mites, and slugs.
Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the sap of plants, causing the leaves to curl and distort. They also leave behind a sticky residue on the plant known as honeydew, which attracts ants. To manage aphids, it is important to wash them off the plant with a strong stream of water or by using insecticidal soap.
Spider mites
Spider mites are small arachnids that feed on the plant's sap and they usually appear in hot and dry conditions. Their presence can be identified by the yellowing of leaves and the presence of webs. To manage spider mites, it is important to prune the affected parts and apply insecticidal soap to the plant.
Slugs
Slugs are gastropods that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, resulting in irregular holes and chewed edges. They are most active during the night and in wet conditions. To manage slugs, it is important to handpick them from the plant and also reduce moisture around the plant.
