Dodecatheon hendersonii (Californian Cyclamen)
Dodecatheon hendersonii (Californian Cyclamen) is a sturdy herbaceous perennial boasting umbels of 3-17 nodding, pale to deep magenta-pink flowers, 1 in. long (2 cm), resembling cyclamen blooms. Each flower has 4-5 swept-back petals and a cluster of prominent dark stamens that appear like wind-blown umbrellas.
Dodecatheon hendersonii (Californian Cyclamen) is a sturdy herbaceous perennial boasting umbels of 3-17 nodding, pale to deep magenta-pink flowers, 1 in. long (2 cm), resembling cyclamen blooms. Each flower has 4-5 swept-back petals and a cluster of prominent dark stamens that appear like wind-blown umbrellas. Blooming from mid-spring to early summer, the charming blossoms are borne on upright, leafless, flower scapes that rise from a basal rosette of kidney-shaped, deep green leaves. The entire plant dies down when summer arrives. Dodecatheon hendersonii 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 3 in. wide (7 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 sown as soon as ripe in containers in a coldframe or by division in spring. Seeds need cold exposure for germination.
- Native to California, Oregon, and Washington.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 5 – 7 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 5 – 7 |
| Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Dodecatheon – Shooting Stars |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Mid,Late) |
| Height | 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm) |
| Spread | 2" – 3" (5cm – 7cm) |
| Spacing | 3″ (7cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon, Washington |
| Tolerance | Clay Soil |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |