Shooting Star Care
Heralding from moist woodlands, shooting star grows best in conditions that are like its native habitat. Moist, humusy, well-drained soil is a great planting place for shooting star. It grows well in part shade that is typical of open woodlands or woodland edges. It is also a beloved component of some prairie communities. Growing and blooming prior to many deciduous trees fully leafing out, shooting star can thrive in areas that are deeply shaded in summer but receive filtered light in spring. Fall is the best time to plant shooting star. The cool soil temperatures and moist conditions allow transplants to establish a strong root system prior to the upcoming growing season. Shooting star can also be planted in spring. Often sold as a bareroot plant, shooting star requires extra care at planting time. Water newly planted transplants weekly for about 6 weeks and cover the soil around plants with a 2-inch-thick layer of compost or mulch to prevent soil moisture loss. Do not transplant shooting star from native woodland areas; excessive woodland harvesting in some areas has endangered native stands of shooting star.
