Overview
Astrantia major 'Rubra' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Astrantia, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Astrantia major 'Rubra' 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, flower borders and beds and cut flowers.
About
Astrantia major 'Rubra' (masterwort 'Rubra') is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Apiaceae family. It grows to between 0.5 and 1 metre in height and spread, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, and tolerates acid, alkaline, and neutral pH levels. Preferring moist but well-drained or poorly-drained soil, it does well in full sun or partial shade with sheltered exposure. Its season of interest spans spring and summer.
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
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, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Astrantia major 'Rubra' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Astrantia major 'Rubra'
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Astrantia leaf miner, Slugs, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Astrantia major 'Rubra'?
Astrantia major 'Rubra' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Astrantia major 'Rubra' need?
Astrantia major 'Rubra' 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 to poorly-drained.
How big does Astrantia major 'Rubra' grow?
Astrantia major 'Rubra' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Astrantia major 'Rubra' hardy in the UK?
Astrantia major 'Rubra' 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 'Rubra'?
Seed, Division.
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