Collection of Three Pink Astrantia major

 The collection consists of:

- x 1 Astrantia Pink Pride, with lively flowers in a soft pinkshade.

- x 1 Astrantia Pink Sensation, with large umbels, up to 5 cm (2in), of very pale pink flowers surrounded by pearly white bracts with pink reflections and green tips.

- x 1 Astrantia Roma, lovely like a heart with its dark pink flower umbels, surrounded by lighter bracts in a fresh pink.

These perennial plants are derived from Astrantia major, a robust alpine species in the Apiaceae family (formerly known as Umbelliferae). From spring onwards, they form a clump of large palmate leaves with prominent veins, measuring 40 cm (16in) in all directions, from which tall, rigid stems of 60 cm (24in) in height emerge carrying the flowers. The flowering renews from June to September. Each inflorescence, in an umbel 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) wide depending on the varieties, is composed of dozens of small flowers surrounded by a collar-like involucre of large shiny bracts.

Easy to grow in ordinary, damp and not too compact soil, Astrantia major thrives in a sunny or semi-shady position, even full shade in warm climates. Simple and elegant, astrantia adds a touch of natural beauty and refinement to the garden. This plant is very popular in contemporary arrangements, requires little maintenance and thrives even in neglected gardens.