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Astrantia major 'Roma'
Roma Masterwort
Europe (Alps to Caucasus); cultivar bred in the Netherlands
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Overview
Astrantia major 'Roma' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial reaching 24–30 inches (60–75 cm) tall with a spread of 18–24 inches (45–60 cm). This cultivar produces pincushion-like flower heads with clear silvery-pink bracts and matching pink florets. Individual flower heads are 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across, among the largest in the A. major cultivars. Stems are upright, wiry, and lightly branched. Leaves are palmately lobed with 3–5 deeply toothed lobes, 3–6 inches (8–15 cm) across, medium green. 'Roma' was bred by Piet Oudolf and selected for its large flower heads, uniform pink color, and strong stems that resist flopping. Bloom occurs in June–August, with a reliable secondary flush if plants are cut back after the first flowering. The plant self-sows moderately; seedlings generally come closer to true than dark-flowered cultivars, though variation occurs. In hot climates (zones 7–8), foliage may go dormant by mid-summer without consistent moisture. Powdery mildew may develop on foliage in humid conditions.
Native Range
Astrantia major is native to Europe, from the Iberian Peninsula and British Isles east through the Alps and Carpathians to the Caucasus. It occurs in mountain meadows, woodland clearings, and stream banks at elevations of 1,000–6,500 feet (300–2,000 m). 'Roma' was bred and selected by Piet Oudolf in the Netherlands.Suggested Uses
Planted in cottage gardens, mixed borders, and woodland edges at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. The clear pink color and large flower heads combine with blue-flowered Geranium and purple-foliaged Heuchera. Cut flowers last 7–10 days in water, and the papery bracts dry in place for dried arrangements. Grows in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) in a humus-rich, moisture-retentive mix.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 2'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Silvery-pink pincushion flower heads appear in June–August. Individual heads are 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across and last 2–3 weeks, with papery bracts persisting after the florets fade. Cutting stems back after the first flush promotes a reliable secondary bloom in late August–September. Self-sowing is moderate; seedlings may vary slightly in color intensity.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Medium green, palmately lobedGrowing 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
Plant in humus-rich, consistently moist soil in partial shade to full sun. Consistent moisture in full sun prevents premature dormancy in hot climates. In zones 7–8, afternoon shade extends the foliage display. Self-sowing can be managed by removing spent flower heads before seeds mature. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring when the center becomes crowded. Powdery mildew may develop in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Slugs feed on emerging foliage. Mulch with 2 inches (5 cm) of organic material to maintain soil moisture.Pruning
Cut spent flower stems back to the basal foliage mound after the first bloom flush in July to promote a reliable secondary flowering in late summer. Cut all stems to ground level in late fall after frost or in early spring. Remove self-sown seedlings if color uniformity in the planting is desired.Pruning Schedule
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summerfallearly spring
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons