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Astrantia major 'Sunningdale Variegated'

Sunningdale variegated masterwort

Parent species {Astrantia major} native to Europe from the Iberian Peninsula east through the Alps and Carpathians to the Caucasus; 'Sunningdale Variegated' was selected at Sunningdale Nurseries in England

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunPart Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 4–8

Overview

Astrantia major 'Sunningdale Variegated' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial cultivar in the family Apiaceae, reaching 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) tall with a spread of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm). The cultivar was selected at Sunningdale Nurseries in England and is grown primarily for its variegated foliage. Palmately lobed leaves 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) across emerge in spring with bold cream to pale yellow margins and splashes against a green leaf surface; each leaf carries 3-5 deeply toothed lobes. Variegation is most saturated in spring and early summer and the cream markings often fade toward pale green by mid-summer, particularly in warm conditions or heavy shade. Pincushion-like flower heads 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across open June through August with pale pink to white bracts tipped green and pale pink florets; stems are upright and wiry. The foliage variegation is the primary feature; flowers are a secondary interest. The plant self-sows, but seedlings come up plain green and do not reproduce the variegation, so division is the only method that maintains the cream-splashed foliage. In hot climates the cream-margined portions — which carry less chlorophyll — can scorch before the green leaf tissue shows stress.

Native Range

Astrantia major is native to Europe from the Iberian Peninsula east through the Alps and Carpathians to the Caucasus, where it grows in mountain meadows, woodland clearings, and stream banks at 1,000-6,500 feet (300-2,000 m) elevation. The cultivar 'Sunningdale Variegated' was selected at Sunningdale Nurseries in England and does not occur in wild populations.

Suggested Uses

Planted in shaded borders and woodland gardens at 18-24 inch (45-60 cm) spacing, where the spring and early-summer variegation brightens shaded areas. The cream-splashed foliage contrasts with the uniformly dark green leaves of Dryopteris spp. ferns and Hosta spp. cultivars. Grown in containers of 5 gallons (19 L) or more in a humus-rich mix; container culture supports precise light control. Not suited to full sun in warm climates, dry exposed sites, or deep shade where variegation fades.

How to Identify

Identified among A. major cultivars by bold cream to pale yellow variegation on the palmately lobed leaves, most saturated in spring and early summer. The pincushion flower heads carry pale pink to white bracts tipped with green, comparable in color to the species type. Plain green seedlings around the base of the plant confirm the habit of self-sowing to green offspring; only divisions maintain the variegated foliage. Variegated foliage combined with Astrantia pincushion flowers separates the cultivar from the species and from non-variegated selections.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 2'6"

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Summer

Pale pink to white pincushion flower heads 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across with green-tipped bracts open from June through August, averaging 6 weeks of bloom. Cutting stems back after the first flush can support a secondary bloom later in the season. Self-sown seedlings from seed dispersal carry plain green foliage and do not reproduce the variegation.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pale pink to white with green-tipped bracts; pincushion-like flower heads 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across

Foliage Description

green with bold cream to pale yellow margins and splashes; palmately lobed leaves 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) across with 3-5 deeply toothed lobes

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade

Requires 3-6 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay chalk peat

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in humus-rich, consistently moist soil with a pH of 5.5-7.5 in part shade where variegation is most saturated; tolerated soil types include loam, clay, chalk, and peat. Full sun scorches the cream leaf margins in warm climates, and deep shade fades the variegation faster. Morning sun with afternoon shade is the working compromise. Self-sown seedlings are plain green and are removed to keep them from crowding the variegated parent. Clumps are divided every 3-4 years in spring; division is the only propagation method that maintains the variegation. Powdery mildew develops in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Slugs feed on emerging foliage in spring.

Pruning

Spent flower stems are cut back to the basal foliage mound after the first flush in July to maintain the focus on the variegated foliage and to prevent self-sowing of plain green seedlings. All stems are cut to ground level in late fall (November) after frost or in early spring (March). Any all-green reverted shoots at the base are removed promptly because reverting growth is more vigorous than the variegated form and can take over.

Pruning Schedule

summerfallearly spring