Astrantia spp.
Mountains of Europe and western Asia
Overview
Astrantia spp. is a genus of about nine clump-forming herbaceous perennials in the carrot family, native to the mountains and meadows of Europe and western Asia. Plants form mounds of palmate, deeply lobed and toothed mid-green leaves 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) across, above which wiry branched stems rise 18-36 inches (45-90 cm). Each stem ends in a domed umbel of many tiny flowers ringed by a collar of stiff, papery bracts, the whole head 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) wide. Bract and flower color ranges from greenish-white through pink to deep ruby-red across species and cultivars. A. major, masterwort, is commonly grown in gardens. Flowering runs from early summer into autumn, with a second flush after the first is cut back. Plants spread slowly by rhizome to form wider clumps over 2-3 years. The papery heads dry well and hold their shape. Foliage can develop powdery mildew and brown patches in dry soil, and bloom is sparse in deep shade.
Native Range
Native to central and eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Caucasus, with outliers in western Asia. Grows in damp alpine and subalpine meadows, woodland clearings, and along mountain streams in humus-rich soils.Suggested Uses
Grown in mixed and cottage borders, woodland edges, and damp rain gardens, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. The long-stemmed heads are used as cut and dried flowers. Plants grow in containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L) kept moist.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from early summer into early autumn, about June through September. A first flush in June and July is followed by a lighter second flush if stems are cut back. Individual heads last 2-3 weeks. Cool, moist conditions lengthen the bloom; heat and drought shorten it.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
green-white, pink, to ruby-redFoliage Description
mid-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in full sun to part shade in moist, humus-rich soil and flower most freely where the soil does not dry out. Dry soil brings on powdery mildew and brown leaf margins, and bloom thins in deep shade. Established clumps are watered through dry spells and mulched to hold moisture. Plants are cut back after the first flush to prompt fresh foliage and a second flush of flowers. Clumps are divided in spring every 3-4 years to renew them. Slugs may graze the new spring growth.Pruning
Spent flowering stems are cut back to the base after the first flush to encourage rebloom and prevent self-seeding. Foliage is cut to the ground in late autumn or early spring. Clumps are lifted and divided in spring every few years to keep them vigorous.Pruning Schedule
summerfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons