Astrantia major Rubra - Masterwort

Astrantia major 'Rubra' is a variety of masterwort, with a timeless charm all summer. The purplish red colour is barely tinged with green and the flowers are intricately delicate like jewels. Astrantia major is a perennial symbolic of cottage gardens, it is a native plant so easy to grow that it often invites itself in slightly neglected places. 'Rubra' has retained the simple grace,  it has simple grace and an accommodating nature.  It is also a good flower for dried or fresh bouquets.

Astrantia major, native to central and eastern Europe, belongs to the Apiaceae family (formerly known as Umbellifers), it is a distant relative of the carrot.  The bushy and fairly loose habit displays elegant flowers. The plant forms a tuft of 60 cm (24in) in height when in flower, 45 cm (18in) for the foliage, and 45 cm (1 and 18in) wide. The foliage is dense, composed of palmate deciduous leaves, with 5 deep lobes, lanceolate, dentate, green and strongly veined. The flowers in umbels appear from June to August, at the end of very stiff stems. They are composed of dozens of small pink flowers surrounded by a collar of large purple-red bracts.

Easy to grow, Astrantia major 'Rubra' thrives in humus-rich, moist and well-drained soil in sunny or semi-shady positions, even full shade in warm climates. This plant, very popular in contemporary gardens, requires little maintenance, thriving even where the garden is not maintained. It blends beautifully with pastel colours. Combine it with perennials and roses in any style of garden: modern, natural or romantic.

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