Overview
Astrantia major is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Astrantia, part of the Apiaceae family. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Astrantia major grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Europe and Caucasus.
About
Astrantia major is an herbaceous perennial in the Apiaceae that typically reaches about 0.8 m. It flowers in the UK from June to August. Plant it where it receives full sun in moist but well-drained soils of sandy, loamy or clay textures and it will tolerate open conditions down to fully hardy UK grades. Native to Europe and the Caucasus, it suits mixed perennial planting.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Astrantia major
About the genus
Astrantia is a genus of herbaceous plants in the family Apiaceae, native to Central, Eastern and Southern Europe and the Caucasus. There are several species, which have aromatic roots, palmate leaves, and decorative flowers. They are commonly known as great masterwort or masterwort which may also refer to other plants, particularly the unrelated Peucedanum ostruthium.
Wikipedia contributors, "Astrantia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Astrantia
In the garden
Astrantia major is a herbaceous perennial in the Apiaceae, native to Europe and the Caucasus, and growing to roughly 0.8 m. Its season in the UK runs from June to August, making it a useful source of mid-summer blooms. The species belongs to the genus Astrantia and is grown in gardens across temperate zones. Give Astrantia major a sunny position and soil that stays moist but drains freely; it adapts to sandy, loamy and clay soils provided they are not waterlogged. It is rated fully hardy in the UK (H7) and also covers USDA zones 4–9, so it is tolerant of winter conditions in most British gardens. Planting at a depth consistent with the original root ball and keeping soil evenly moist in the first season helps establishment. Place it where a 0.8 m perennial fits into a mixed border or perennial bed, and expect a defined mid-summer flowering run from June through August. Its stature and flowering season make it suited to temperate beds where a mid-height perennial is required; the plant's seasonal timing can help bridge spring and late-summer interest in a planting scheme.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Astrantia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Astrantia major size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 0.8 m
- Native to
- Europe, Caucasus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Astrantia major?
Astrantia major prefers full sun.
What soil does Astrantia major need?
Astrantia major is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Astrantia major grow?
Astrantia major reaches a height of 0.8 m.
Is Astrantia major hardy in the UK?
Astrantia major has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
More in the Astrantia genus
- Astrantia 'Roma'Masterwort
- Astrantia major 'Capri'Great Masterwort
- Astrantia major 'Shaggy'Great Masterwort
- Astrantia 'Moulin Rouge'Masterwort
- Astrantia 'Shaggy'Masterwort