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Astrantia major 'Ruby Wedding'
Ruby Wedding Masterwort
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Overview
Astrantia major 'Ruby Wedding' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial reaching 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall with a spread of 15–18 inches (38–45 cm). This cultivar produces pincushion-like flower heads with deep ruby-red bracts and dark red-purple florets. Individual flower heads are 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across. 'Ruby Wedding' is more compact than most A. major cultivars, with a height approximately two-thirds that of 'Claret' or 'Rubra'. Stems are upright, wiry, and dark-tinted. Leaves are palmately lobed with 3–5 deeply toothed lobes, 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) across, dark green, sometimes with a faint purple flush when emerging in spring. The deep ruby-red flower color is among the darkest in the A. major cultivars. Bloom occurs in June–August, with a secondary flush if cut back after the first flowering. The plant self-sows; seedlings frequently produce lighter flowers. In hot climates (zones 7–8), foliage may go dormant without consistent moisture. Powdery mildew may develop in humid conditions.
Native Range
Astrantia major is native to Europe, from the Iberian Peninsula 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).Suggested Uses
Planted in cottage gardens, shaded borders, and woodland edges at 15–18 inch (38–45 cm) spacing. The compact size suits the front to middle of borders, container edges, and small-scale plantings where the taller 'Claret' or 'Rubra' would be disproportionate. Grows in containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L) in a humus-rich mix. Cut flowers last 7–10 days in water.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'3" - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Deep ruby-red pincushion flower heads appear in June–August. Individual heads are 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across. Cutting stems back after the first flush promotes a secondary bloom in late August–September. Self-sown seedlings frequently revert to lighter colors.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark green, sometimes with faint purple spring flushGrowing 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. Afternoon shade in zones 7–8 extends the foliage display. Self-sowing produces lighter-colored seedlings; remove spent flower heads before seed maturation. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring. Powdery mildew develops in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Slugs feed on emerging foliage.Pruning
Cut spent flower stems back to the basal foliage mound after the first bloom flush in July to promote rebloom and prevent self-sowing. Cut all stems to ground level in late fall or early spring. Remove off-color volunteer seedlings.Pruning Schedule
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summerfallearly spring
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons