Astrantia major 'Pink Sensation'

Astrantia major 'Pink Sensation' is a variety of large masterwort that stands out for the size of its inflorescences in decidedly pastel tones. Its tiny flowers, in a very pale pink, are surrounded by a large collar of white and pearly bracts, with pinkish reflections and tips of light green. A precise design gives the umbels the appearance of jewels paved with gemstones. Astrantia major is a perennial accustomed to cottage gardens, it is an easy native plant to grow in any good, fresh garden soil. It is also a good flower for both dried and fresh bouquets.

Astrantia major, native to central and eastern Europe, belongs to the family of Apiaceae (formerly umbellifers), it is a distant cousin of the carrot. In nature, it is found in the mountainous areas of our country, growing on clay-rich soils with a tendency towards limestone. It is a perennial plant with an aerial stem that develops in spring and disappears in winter. This wild masterwort is the origin of many cultivars and hybrids, including the 'Pink Sensation' variety, whose name evokes the pale pinkness of the flowers. In this masterwort, the bushy and quite loose habit serves the elegance of the flowering. The plant forms a clump 60cm (24in) in height when in flower, 45cm (18in) for the foliage, and 45cm (18in) wide. The foliage is composed of palmate leaves, with 5 deep lobes, lanceolate, toothed, green and strongly veined. The umbel inflorescences appear from June to August-September, at the end of very stiff stems. Sometimes reaching 5cm (2in) in diameter, they are composed of dozens of tiny flowers in a very pale pink gathered in a short stem of bulb, surrounded by a collar of large pearly bracts, almost white.

Astrantia major 'Pink Sensation' is easily grown in most of our gardens, as long as the soil remains somewhat moist in summer. It thrives in sunny or semi-shaded positions, and even in full shade in hot climates. This plant, very popular in contemporary gardens, requires little maintenance and even thrives where the garden is not maintained. It blends beautifully with the pastel colours of foxgloves, paniculate phlox, annual poppies, columbines, lungworts... Combine it with perennials and roses in any style of garden: modern, natural, or romantic.

Tips: Combine several varieties to create a beautiful colour palette.