The astrantia is one of my favourite herbaceous plants. It is a European native although its name comes from the Greek meaning star, referring to the star-like shape of the flower heads. Its common name is masterwort, although it has also been affectionately known as Hattie's pincushion and melancholy gentleman. They are clump forming perennials with unusual pincushion flowerheads that provide summer colour in shades of red, pink and white. They also make excellent cut flowers. Here is a short guide on how to grow astrantias and some of my favourite varieties.
Astrantias are easy to grow as long as they are provided with good heavy soil, some shade and plenty of moisture. If you do want to plant them in sunnier positions make sure you add plenty of organic material first and a mulch to help retain moisture. Water them well in dry weather, especially if the plants are only recently established. Astrantias flower for a long period from May to October. They are difficult to propagate from seed but relatively easy to grow from basal cuttings. Take cuttings in early spring when the plants begin to emerge.
Varieties of astrantia
Astrantia 'Buckland' has large green flower bracts, with pink and white centre, in summer. It grows to a height of around 60cm. Astrantia major is one of my favourites. Who can resist its large green/white flowers heads in mid-summer. Astrantia major 'Ruby Wedding' is a real stunner with dark red flowers and maroon stems. It grows to a height of around 50cm. If ever there was a representation of the star from which its gets its name, astrantia maxima is it. It has large star shaped shell-pink bract flowers in mid-summer and grows to around 45cm in height. Astrantia 'Shaggy'is a popular variety with white green tipped petals that surround a central pincushion of stamens. It also makes a very good cut flower. Astrantia major 'Sunningdale Variegated' is an unusual variety with stunning variegated leaves, elegantly marked with yellow and cream. Branching stems of white, flushed-pink posy flowers are an added bonus in summer through to autumn. This variety grows to around 75cm tall.
Although astrantias probably look at their best in a border or as part of a cottage garden display, they are very adaptable to growing in garden planters. For a really stunning display of astrantias in containers, groups five or six different varieties together.
Jo Poultney is one of two people behind Garden Planters. I have an RHS general certificate in horticulture. Garden Planters source unusual outdoor and indoor planters, and other garden related gifts - whatever your taste, be it traditional, modern or just a bit quirky, we will have something for you. I believe garden planters are an integral part of any garden - they enhance the overall design and say a little something about the person to whom the garden belongs. If you would like to know more about Garden Planters, visit our website at http://www.gardenplantersshop.co.uk
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