Astrantias (Masterwort)

Masterpieces in the shade: an introduction to Astrantia
The genus name Astrantia is derived from the Greek word astron, meaning ‘star’, which perfectly describes the star-like arrangement of its pointed bracts. A member of the carrot family (Apiaceae), this genus has been a feature of European horticulture for centuries, dating back to the Middle Ages.

Astrantia plants are native to Europe and Western Asia and are naturally adapted to a range of environments, making them well-suited to many gardens. These hardy perennials return with increasing vigour each season, eventually forming dense, attractive clumps of foliage that add structure and architectural interest to the border.

The beautiful key characteristics of Astrantia
Astrantia is characterised by its central umbel surrounded by a ruff of bract-like petals, which can range in colour from white and soft pink to deep ruby and burgundy. These intricate blooms have a distinctive texture and are held aloft on wiry stems above the foliage, lending an airy, whimsical quality to garden displays from early summer through autumn.

Astrantia’s foliage forms neat clumps of deeply lobed, palmate leaves, usually a fresh green in colour, providing a lush, herbaceous backdrop for the delicate flowers. In some cultivars, the foliage may develop a darker, slightly reddish tint, adding further interest. As the stems are sturdy, the flowers maintain their upright posture even after heavy rain, ensuring the garden looks polished regardless of the weather.

When does Astrantia flower?
Astrantia typically flowers from early summer through to autumn, helping to bridge the gap between spring bulbs and later-flowering perennials. With regular deadheading, you can often encourage a second flush of blooms in late summer or early autumn. The flowers also make charming additions to bouquets and floral arrangements, and are well known for their excellent vase life.

What is the ideal growing environment for Astrantia?
Astrantia grows best in partial shade and in consistently moist, fertile soil. These plants are particularly well-suited to cooler climates, where night-time temperatures regularly fall. They do not perform well in areas with intense, prolonged heat.

What are the common uses of Astrantia in gardens?
If you appreciate the romantic, layered look of traditional cottage gardens, woodland gardens, or naturalistic planting schemes, Astrantia is an essential addition to the border. Its delicate, airy texture complements bolder plants without ever overwhelming them.

• For pollinator-friendly gardens: The nectar-rich flowers attract bees and butterflies, bringing movement and life to the garden.
• For floral designers: With their long stems and excellent vase life, these flowers are a favourite for elegant bouquets and floral arrangements.
• For shade gardeners: As they tolerate lower light levels, Astrantia is ideal for those tricky part-shade areas where colour is often lacking.

A variety of stars: from Astrantia Major Venice to Midnight Owl
The best-known species is Astrantia ‘Major’, commonly referred to as ‘Great Masterwort’. Within this species, numerous cultivars offer a stunning spectrum of colours. At DutchGrown, you will find some of the finest varieties, including:

• Astrantia ‘Major Venice’: Its firework-like centres, surrounded by spiky pink bracts, attract an abundance of pollinators to the summer garden.
• Astrantia ‘Major Star of Billion’: The ‘Star of Billion’ variety of Astrantia major is a charming plant with soft white and green hues. It displays the distinctive, star-like blooms for which Astrantias are renowned, with elegant, pointed bracts.
• Astrantia ‘Midnight Owl’: This exceptional cultivar produces rich burgundy flowers with purple undertones, creating a striking contrast against its glossy, dark green foliage.

How to plant Astrantias?
Success with Astrantia begins with planting bare-root plants in rich, moist soil in early spring for summer flowers. Follow these steps for successful planting, or consult our growing guide, ‘How to Grow Astrantia (Masterwort)’.

1. Location: Choose a position in partial shade, as Astrantia prefers to avoid intense afternoon sun. A spot beneath a light canopy of deciduous trees or alongside taller plants is ideal.
2. Soil: Ensure the soil is fertile and moisture-retentive, but well drained. Incorporate well-rotted compost or manure into the soil before planting.
3. Planting: Dig a hole and plant the bare roots with the crown positioned about 2.5 cm below the surface, ensuring the roots are spread out. Space the plants 30–45 cm apart. Backfill the hole with soil around the base, then gently firm it to secure the plant.
4. Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.

How to care for Astrantia plants?
To ensure a beautiful summer display, it is important to care for Astrantia properly after planting. Follow these simple steps:

1. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during the first growing season while the plants are becoming established.
2. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
3. Feeding: Sprinkle a balanced, general-purpose fertiliser around the plants in spring to give them a good start to the growing season.
4. Deadheading: Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage a second flush of blooms later in the season.
5. Dividing: Divide established clumps every four to five years in early spring or autumn to maintain their vigour and to spread plants to other areas of the garden.

Premium Astrantia roots: exceptional quality from DutchGrown
To ensure your Astrantia performs at its best, it is important to begin with the highest-quality planting material. At DutchGrown, we supply only top-sized bare roots that offer superior vigour and a faster route to forming a full clump compared with growing from seed. We carefully schedule our shipping so that your plants arrive at the ideal time for planting in your climate zone.

By choosing our family-run company, you are selecting plants backed by generations of Dutch horticultural expertise. Invest in the long-term beauty of your garden, choose your favourite Astrantia varieties from our collection today and experience the difference that century-old quality can bring to your summer garden. We ship throughout the United Kingdom.

Frequently asked questions about Astrantia

Does Astrantia like sun or shade?
Astrantia thrives best in partial shade, particularly in positions that offer protection from full sun. While the plants can tolerate more light in cooler summer climates, they truly flourish in dappled shade or woodland clearings where the soil remains moist. These perennials are well-suited in regions where night-time temperatures regularly fall, providing relief from the summer heat.

Where is the best place to plant Astrantia?
The best place to plant Astrantia is in partial shade with moist, fertile soil. Ideally, choose a position beneath a light canopy of trees or alongside taller perennials to protect the plants from intense afternoon sun. While they tolerate dappled light, the soil should remain consistently moist but well-drained.

Does Astrantia spread?
Astrantia is not considered an invasive plant. It is a well-behaved, clump-forming herbaceous perennial that spreads slowly through short rhizomes. While it may self-seed in favourable woodland clearings or moist environments, any unwanted seedlings are easy to manage by deadheading spent flowers or simply dividing the clump in early spring.

Is Astrantia an evergreen?
Astrantia is a resilient, low-maintenance herbaceous perennial that is easy to grow when given the right conditions. These plants are exceptionally hardy and reward gardeners with reliable flowers and attractive structure year after year. For the best results, plant them in moist, fertile soil in partial shade to maintain their vigour.