Primula: Shooting Star
Unusual, recurved flowers in electric hues make Primula look like the shooting stars of their common name.
Plant care & info
Family: Primulaceae
Genus: Primula
Common name: Shooting Star
In our region, widespread from British Columbia south into California, in many different habitats and elevations.
Basel clump of oval leaves, wiry flowering stem rising above. Flowers in few to several to a cluster; pink to magenta to lavender petals that are sharply recurved backward, similar in style to cyclamen. Spreads and colonizes from the base and from self-seeding.
During the spring blooming season, soil should be moist and well-drained. Primula goes dormant in summer (leaves disappear) and it is important to reduce/withhold watering during this period. Over watering and poor drainage, especially in winter, is the most likely culprit if your Primula doesn’t reemerge in the spring.
Sun/shade, depending on the species.
Virtually pest and disease free.
Arching clusters of purple/pink petals flying out behind a bright yellow base and dark flower tube, look not unlike a thrown dart or pointy badminton bird making its descent. Because this is on a somewhat miniature scale (the petals are only ¼ – ¾” long) the effect isn’t cloying or overwhelming in the garden, but is instead an intriguing sight in spring!
Primula can be found throughout most of North America, and there are several species native to Oregon: Primula alpinum, Primula austrofrigidum, Primula conjugens, Primula dentatum (white flowering), Primula hendersonii, Primula jeffreyi, Primula poeticum and Primula pulchellum. Some are more obscure, and in a few cases endangered.
Primula hendersonii, poeticum and pulchellum are most commonly available in nurseries.
Explore More Shooting Star
Henderson's Shooting Star
Primula hendersonii: Henderson’s Shooting Star
This is the Shooting star frequently found in the cool, moist, shady areas of the Willamette Valley and into the lower elevations of the Cascade Range. Foliage is present from March to July, and flowers are generally produced from April to June. Flowers form on slender stalks rising 12-18” above the basal leaf cluster, with 4-5 of the distinctive and bright nodding blooms above. Henerdon’s shooting star brings a splash of color to the cool, mossy greens of the woodland garden. Summer dormant.
Poet's Shooting Star
Primula poeticum: Poet’s Shooting Star
This species of Primula is found almost in every county in Oregon, and is generally widespread throughout the region. This is the shooting star of more open, sunny areas and drier woodlands. In the wild, it is often found along seepages and areas with abundant springtime moisture, followed by necessary dry conditions in summer (when thePrimula poeticum is dormant). The flowers (generally 5) cluster at the top of the slender flowering stem, but this one is shorter, rising only 2-10” above the leaves.
Few-Flowered Shooting Star
This shooting star is best suited for rock or container gardens. While it will grow in a variety of conditions, it is often found in sub-alpine meadows, suggesting the need for better than average drainage to help protect it from our soggy winters. As the common name suggests, the small flowers that gracefully float 12-18” above the foliage generally number only three per stalk.
Find Natives for your garden
We offer a great selection of Northwest Natives from spring through fall. The plants featured are highlighted favorites, but they do not represent ALL of the plants we carry. For a more complete list, see our Northwest Native Plant List.
