Astrantia major ‘Star of Beauty’ (Great Masterwort)

Very floriferous and vigorous, Astrantia major ‘Star of Beauty’ (Great Masterwort) features large clusters of tiny white flowers with magenta-purple tips, crowded together in a dome-shaped flowerhead, just like pins on a cushion. They are surrounded by an elegant ruff of white papery bracts adorned with green tips. Blooms for weeks from early to late summer, the distinctive blooms are borne on erect stems, well above the rosette of lush, deeply cut, mid-green leaves.

• Spreading slowly from the rootstock, this Astrantia has a neat habit and grows in a clump of deeply divided leaves, up to 20-25 in. tall (50-65 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. Best performance occurs in cool summer climates as Astrantias do not like very hot, humid, or dry conditions.
• A vital ingredient of herbaceous borders, cottage 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, and pest-free, and wet soil tolerant, Astrantia is a perennial plant 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 division in spring