Introduction To The Flower Shooting Star
Shooting Stars are one of the most captivating and fascinating flowering plants. These star-shaped flowers bloom in many various shades, creating an incredibly beautiful display of nature’s artistry. Shooting Stars have had a special place in the hearts of flower lovers across the globe for centuries, and are often a favorite when it comes to decorating gardens and yards.
Though they may be tiny and delicate looking flowers, they actually boast a surprisingly robust and vigorous nature. This adaptability has made them a great choice for many, who appreciate their versatility and low maintenance needs. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Shooting Star and explore why so many flower enthusiasts love it.
Where Do Shooting Stars Come From?
Shooting Stars are members of the Campanulaceae family, which includes many of the most beloved flowers. The most common type of Shooting Stars is called the Drummondii species, or the prairie Shooting Star. As its name suggests, this flower loves open areas with plenty of sunlight, making it ideal for prairies and meadows. Other species originate from Asia and Europe, with some being found as far away as the Himalayas.
What Are Shooting Stars?
Shooting Stars are a perennial flower that grows an upright stem which can reach heights of up to 18″ when in bloom. The stem is sparsely covered in small hairs, while the leaves and base of the stem are characteristically hairy. The hairy nature of the stem makes it perfect to be a support for heavy blooms. From the stem emerge lance shaped leaves that are a deep green in color, mottled with darker greenish marks.
When the flowers begin blooming, they form a star shaped cluster of delicate blossoms that are roughly 1 inch in diameter. The blooms come in a variety of colors, depending on the species. The most common colors are pink, purple, white, and yellow. Some rarer varieties may produce blooms that have white to pink or yellow in the center, with hues of purple and blue in the petals.
Varieties Of Shooting Stars
There are a number of varieties and species of Shooting Stars, each with its own distinct look and purpose. Lower growing varieties such as the Common Shooting Star and the Prairie Shooting Star tend to have a more cascading effect, and are excellent choices for adding a frame around existing structures and pathways, as well as for the edges of beds and borders. Taller species such as the Himalayan Shooting Star and the Chinese Shooting Star are perfect for taller flower arrangements, such as the backing of a garden bed.
Caring For Shooting Stars
When it comes to caring for Shooting Stars, they are actually an incredibly easy plant to maintain. They prefer to be planted in full sun, although they may tolerate some shade. They are also relatively drought tolerant and require minimal pruning.
As they are a perennial, they may be planted in spring or summer. Make sure to water regularly, but keep in mind that with adequate soil and sunshine, they are generally drought tolerant. When spring arrives, the plants will naturally die-back and the leaves will eventually become brown. Cut back the dead foliage and wait for the new growth to emerge.
When flowering season arrives, Shooting Stars accept fertilizer, however it is not necessary. Deadheading of blooms is also not necessary.
Conclusion
Shooting Stars contain a unique charm that has enchanting flower enthusiasts for centuries. With minimal maintenance requirements, Shooting Stars bloom in an abundance of colors, creating an incredibly beautiful display of nature’s artistry. If you want to add a touch of fairy-tale charm to your garden, be sure to give the Shooting Star a try.