Astrantia maxima (Largest Masterwort)

A very large flowered species, Astrantia maxima features tiny soft pink flowers crowded together in a dome-shaped flowerhead, 2-3 in. wide (3-6 cm), just like pins on a cushion, and surrounded by an elegant ruff of broad, pink papery bracts. They are borne on branching stems, well above the rosette of lush green tripartite foliage. A very distinctive and charming masterwort.

A very large flowered species, Astrantia maxima features tiny soft pink flowers crowded together in a dome-shaped flowerhead, 2-3 in. wide (3-6 cm), just like pins on a cushion, and surrounded by an elegant ruff of broad, pink papery bracts. They are borne on branching stems, well above the rosette of lush green tripartite foliage. A very distinctive and charming masterwort.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Blooms for weeks from late spring to early summer, and sporadically throughout the summer where conditions are to its liking.
  • Spreading slowly from the rootstock, it has a neat habit and grows in a clump of deeply divided leaves, up to 20-28 in. tall (50-70 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun or part shade in rich, medium to wet, well-drained soils. Soils need to be kept consistently moist. The best performance occurs in cool summer climates as Astrantia doesn't like very hot, humid, or dry conditions.
  • A vital ingredient of herbaceous borders, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, and woodlands. Great weavers, Astrantias mix well with other plants and associate beautifully with Ornamental Grasses, Sedums, and many other perennials. Plant them in drifts or at the border front of mixed borders where their attractive blooms can be appreciated. This plant is also valued for the excellent quality of its cut flowers, whether in bouquets or dried floral arrangements.
  • Easy to grow, deer-resistant, disease-free, pest-free, and wet soil tolerant, Astrantia is a perennial that is rich in many qualities aside from its good looks!
  • Easily grown from seeds sown fresh. Deadheading will prolong flowering and prevent self-seeding. Astrantias do spread a little but can easily be held back. Dividing clumps help maintain vigor.
  • Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as the seed is ripe or propagate by division in spring

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 7

Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Astrantia – Masterworts
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 1'
– 3'
(30cm
– 90cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Ponds and Streams, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage