Astrantia major Shaggy - Masterwort

Astrantia major 'Shaggy' is a sublime variety of masterwort. Its exceptionally large flowers, are like small pin cushions surrounded by a collar of bracts with a dentate appearance. Initially pale pink with a deep pink centre, the flowers become white tinged with green, subtly joining the dark green that enlivens the tips of the bracts. Easy to grow and robust, it will brighten up your garden all summer long... and even your house, as it can also be picked to form lovely fresh or dried bouquets!

Astrantia major, originating from central and eastern Europe, belongs to the Apiaceae family (formerly known as Umbellifers), and is a distant relative of the carrot. The bushy and somewhat loose habit enhances the elegance of its flowering. The plant forms a clump of approximately 60 cm (24in) in height when in bloom, 45 cm (18in) for the foliage, and 45 cm (18in) wide. The foliage is dense, composed of palmate deciduous leaves with 5 deep lobes, lanceolate, toothed, green, and strongly veined. The flowers appear from June to August, sometimes even in September, at the end of very stiff stems. In this 'Shaggy' form, they are composed of dozens of large flowers approximately 7 cm (3in) in diameter, with soft and varying shades, wavering between white, pink, and dark green, surrounded by a collar of large bracts that are white tinged with pink and pointed with green. The vegetation of this perennial develops in spring and disappears in winter.

Easy to grow, Astrantia major 'Shaggy' is a very floriferous plant that forms magnificent displays, which can be particularly striking in front of a dark hedge. It is also a cut flower with an exceptionally long vase life. To succeed in its cultivation, simply avoid exposing this alpine plant to excessive heat (midday sun) if your soil is somewhat dry. This veteran plant, holder of the prestigious "RHS Award of Garden Merit," is very popular in contemporary gardens. It requires little maintenance and thrives even in neglected areas of the garden. It is particularly well-suited to the 'cottage' style, planted in drifts, as its flowers, which are highly complementary to ornamental grasses, provide texture. You can also create large wild displays along herbaceous borders, and of course, create beautiful fresh or dried floral arrangements. It pairs perfectly with numerous perennials as well as roses, in natural and/or romantic settings. Its fragrance-free flowers are very attractive to bees.

Combine several varieties to create a beautiful colour palette.