Astrantia major 'Ruby Star' ®
masterwort
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: fertile, moist, preferably humus-rich soil
- Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
- Flowering period: June to August
- Flowers: dark red
- Other features: the flowers are excellent for cutting and drying
- Hardiness: fully hardy
- Garden care: Incorporate plenty of organic matter when planting and water well in dry weather especially newly established plants. Lift and divide large clumps in early spring and apply a generous 5-7 cm mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost around the plant. Divided specimens may take some time to establish since they don't like having their roots disturbed.
A recently introduced cultivar, which has dark red flowerheads with black-tipped bracts. The first flowers open in midsummer, and if deadheaded frequently, you can often encourage them to keep flowering until late autumn. Equally at home in cottage style plantings, contemporary settings, or among ornamental grasses.
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