About

'Astrantia major 'Primadonna' is a herbaceous perennial characterized by its palmately divided foliage. This variety features stems that support branching clusters of star-shaped flowers in red-mauve, surrounded by a fringe of reddish-purple bracts. Blooming occurs from May through September, providing a prolonged display of color.

About the genus

Astrantia is a group of herbaceous perennials that grow in clumps, featuring basal leaves that are palmately lobed. The plants develop upright, slender stems that showcase dense clusters of small flowers, which are encircled by a whorl of prominent bracts.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming, Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Cultivation
Thrives in moist well-drained soil in partial shade. Flowers longer than raditional varieties.
Pruning
Cut back after flowering for fresh new foliage and second flowering. Deadhead before seed ripens to prevent self-seeding
Propagation
Division
Pest resistance
Slug and snail resistant
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to powdery mildews