Masterwort

More information about Astrantia

The botanical name Astrantia is composed of the Greek terms 'aster' = star and 'anthos' = flower and refers to the radial arrangement of the petals. The natural habitat of the Astrantia (also known as masterwort) is the edge of the woods, where it rises to higher altitudes in freshly humid locations. In the garden, it fits into the 'Mixed Border' ornamental bed as well as in the natural garden and provides in both cases a wild, romantic touch. Depending on the variety, the flowering time for masterwort begins as early as the end of May and ends in September. So, if you want to buy one, you should do so in early spring or autumn. With a clever combination of the different colour nuances and the consideration of staggered flowering times, a lot can be made out of the small, star-shaped flowers when designing a bed. If you want to buy this plant, you will find a selection of attractive varieties here in the Lubera® Garden Shop.

Buy and plant Astrantia

Once the masterwort has been purchased, the question of the optimal location in the garden arises. It likes it best in semi-shady places with fresh, nutrient-rich soil. It thrives also in sunny places, but only where the soil is not too dry and lean. In order to achieve a good display and to prevent the emergence of weeds from the beginning, you should plant about six plants per square metre. If the soil is rather poor in nutrients, annual composting is recommended. If you cut back your plants immediately after flowering, you can ideally enjoy a second flowering in September. Our observations have shown that these plants do not seem to attract snails. It also seems to be quite unimpressed by other pests and diseases and is generally considered to be very robust.

White, pink or dark red?

The most common garden varieties are cultivars that have evolved from the Astrantia major (great masterwort). Among the well-known representatives is 'Moulin Rouge', which grows up to 60 cm high and blooms in an intense dark red colour. The variety 'Roma' presents its umbels in a delicate dusty pink. If you prefer flowers in pure white, you should take a look at the variety 'Star of Billion'. It grows clump-like, looks very filigree and fits perfectly into natural-looking plantings. It opens the season of masterworts at the end of May.

Which planting partners are suitable? 

With its rich green, finger-shaped foliage and filigree flowers, masterwort can be combined with a variety of flowering shrubs, grasses and ferns. We find the combination with geraniums in assorted colours and some low Carex grasses particularly appealing. Also, foxgloves or astilbes are suitable partners, which like the masterwort, favour semi-shade. It is also recommendable to plant ornamental garlic (Allium) between the Astrantia. In early summer, ornamental garlic attracts attention, later the masterwort take over and discreetly cover the leaves with their dense foliage. The flowers of the masterwort are also particularly beautiful in front of Hosta varieties with single-coloured leaves. More and more often you can find these plants in flower stores as well. It is not only a valuable garden perennial but also a thankful and durable cut flower, which gives the summer bouquet a romantic lightness. Again and again, the question arises if is it poisonous? The question must be answered with 'yes'. According to literature, all parts of the plant are considered slightly poisonous.

Buy and multiply

Can one buy seeds of this plant? Yes, but mainly from the wild form of Astrantia major. The seeds can be sown in the spring directly outdoors at the desired location. However, if you leave the inflorescences standing after they have flowered, you can also easily obtain seeds yourself. It should be noted, however, that these seeds are usually not true to the variety. The large, star-shaped types can seed themselves. If you do not like this accidental spreading in the garden, you should cut the flowers back in time before the seeds ripen. And if you don't want to propagate the wild form, but rather a specific variety, it is best to divide existing plants. This is best done in the spring. The more of these that grow in the garden, the stronger the effect of the delicate flowers. The robust summer bloomer, which can be purchased in various colours in the Lubera Shop, is the ideal companion for semi-shady garden areas with its star-shaped flowers.