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.

• 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

Astrantias belong to the Apiaceae family and have been valued for centuries for their long blooming season, their delicate presence, and intriguing flowers. Native to the woods and meadows of Asia and Europe, they grow easily in most gardens. Favored by gardeners and widely used in flower arrangements by florists, the genus includes 8 or 9 species, Astrantia major being the most popular with greenish pink to purple-red flowers surrounded by white to pinkish-white bracts and reaching 12-36 in. (30-90 cm).