Overview
Astrantia major 'Capri' is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Astrantia, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Astrantia major 'Capri' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Astrantia major 'Capri' is a clump-forming perennial in the Apiaceae, valued for its domed floral heads produced in summer. It is deciduous and suits positions in full sun or partial shade, preferring moist but well-drained soils. Flowering occurs from June to August, and the plant tolerates a wide range of soil types and pH. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7).
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 'Capri' is a clump-forming member of the Apiaceae with summer-flowering, domed inflorescences. It originates from temperate parts of Europe and has become a garden staple where late-spring into summer structure is needed. Plant it where soils remain moist but drain freely; it will accept chalk, clay, loam or sand and copes with acid to alkaline conditions. Place Astrantia major 'Capri' in full sun or partial shade, with an east, west, south or north-facing aspect acceptable so long as the soil retains moisture. It stands up to exposed or sheltered sites and is rated H7 — fully hardy in UK winters — so it does not require winter protection in normal conditions. Work organic matter into the soil at planting to improve moisture retention in free-draining sites and avoid prolonged dryness at the root. Use this cultivar in flower borders, courtyard or city gardens, wildlife-friendly schemes, and for underplanting roses and shrubs where its domed blooms provide continuity through early to mid-summer. The plant's summer display runs from June to August, making it useful for bridging late-spring perennials into the height of summer beds and for providing nectar to pollinators during that period.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Astrantia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Astrantia major 'Capri' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Astrantia major 'Capri'
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs, Astrantia leaf miner
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Astrantia major 'Capri'?
Astrantia major 'Capri' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Astrantia major 'Capri' need?
Astrantia major 'Capri' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Astrantia major 'Capri' hardy in the UK?
Astrantia major 'Capri' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Astrantia major 'Capri'?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe, Division in spring.
More in the Astrantia genus
- Astrantia 'Roma'Masterwort
- Astrantia major 'Shaggy'Great Masterwort
- Astrantia 'Moulin Rouge'Masterwort
- Astrantia 'Shaggy'Masterwort