Geranium_gem's Garden
Astrantia major 'Claret'
Genus: Astrantia.
Species: Astrantia major.
Astrantia major 'Claret'
Great black masterwort
H 90cm x S 30cm
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
This is one of the darkest-flowered astrantias, with deep, ruby red pincushion-like flowers with a ruff of longer bracts than many other varieties. The leaves are pretty too, being deeply lobed and dark green. Although it is an old cottage-garden favourite, this astrantia works equally well in contemporary-style plantings. Use towards the front of a sunny, reliably moist border, where the flower colour can be fully appreciated.
Astrantias have been cultivated in Britain since the 16th century and have numerous common names, such as melancholy gentleman, Hattie's pincushion and the more well-known masterwort.
Garden care: Astrantias do not like to dry out. 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 5-7cm 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.
Bought May 2013
