sierra shooting star
Primula fragrans
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Red , pink , purple
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Sierra shooting star (Primula fragrans) is a perennial for borders, woodland gardens, and meadows. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It forms colonies and sends up a bare stem with nodding red-purple flowers in clusters. Rich soil suits it best. It goes dormant in summer, so expect the leaves to fade.
Pairs well with Woodland phlox, Marginal wood fern, and Lenten rose.
Native range
AK, CA, ID, MT, and 3 more places. See all 7
AK, CA, ID, MT, OR, WA, and WY; BC.