Good colour mixes well
4
An easy care perennial that gives a fairly subtle pop of colour to the border. Really nice in shady spots or mixed with grasses.
Country Girl
Warwickshire
Astrantia major 'Rubra'
great black masterwort
9cm pot
available to order from autumn
3 × 9cm pots
£20.97
£18.00
Unavailable
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: fertile, moist, preferably humus-rich soil
- Rate of growth: average to fast
- Flowering period: June to August
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Small, papery, plum-coloured, pincushion-like flowers surrounded by a ruff of wine-tinted bracts, are produced from June to August above deeply lobed, dark green leaves. Although it is an old cottage-garden favourite, this astrantia works equally well in contemporary-style plantings. Use it towards the front of a sunny, yet moist border. Astrantias do not like dry soil. The faded blooms are best cut back close to the ground to prolong flowering.
Astrantias have been cultivated in Britainsince the 16th century and have numerous common names, such as melancholy gentleman, Hatties pincushion and the more well known masterwort. - 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 dont like having their roots disturbed.
Eventual height & spread
Notes on Astrantia major 'Rubra'
"Smaller flowers and not as red as many but an excellent encore planted among hellebores"
Goes well with
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4.0
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- Would this cope with a site that was a bit exposed? The area is near a side passage and so can be a little windy at times.
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Cath
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Hello there These plants will tolerate a bit of wind but are not recommended for windy exposed positions.
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