Overview
Astrantia major 'Shaggy' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Astrantia, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Astrantia major 'Shaggy' 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. It is native to Europe.
About
Astrantia major 'Shaggy' is a clump-forming, deciduous perennial in the carrot family (Apiaceae), valued for its summer flower heads. It favours moist but well-drained soils and will grow in a range of soil types and pH conditions. Flowering runs from June to August, when greenish-white blooms carry reddish tonal highlights. The plant suits full sun to partial shade and tolerates both exposed and sheltered sites.
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
A native of central and eastern Europe, Astrantia major 'Shaggy' belongs to the Apiaceae and forms steady clumps of deciduous foliage. It flowers in the UK from June to August, producing flower heads that combine greenish-white tones with reddish shading. Position the plant in full sun or partial shade; it will tolerate the main aspects of the garden, from south- to north-facing sites. Soil may be chalk, clay, loam or sand so long as it remains moist but well-drained, and it will cope with acid, neutral or alkaline pH. The hardiness rating H7 means it is fully hardy in UK gardens. Give Astrantia major 'Shaggy' a spot where roots stay reliably moist — it suits locations with some shelter from drying winds but will tolerate exposed situations as well. Use it in city or courtyard plots, cottage and informal beds, wildlife borders, or as an underplanting for roses and shrubs where its summer flowers can sit beneath larger plants. Expect reliable summer display and a form that fills a perennial border without needing tropical conditions to thrive.
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 'Shaggy' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.8 m
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Astrantia major 'Shaggy'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist but well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH; grows well in full sun to partial shade; suitable for exposed and sheltered sites.
- Pruning
- Cut back old flower stems after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
- 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
How do I grow Astrantia major 'Shaggy'?
Prefers moist but well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH; grows well in full sun to partial shade; suitable for exposed and sheltered sites.
Where is the best place to plant Astrantia major 'Shaggy'?
Astrantia major 'Shaggy' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Astrantia major 'Shaggy' need?
Astrantia major 'Shaggy' 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.
How do I prune Astrantia major 'Shaggy'?
Cut back old flower stems after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Astrantia major 'Shaggy' grow?
Astrantia major 'Shaggy' reaches a height of 0.8 m.
Is Astrantia major 'Shaggy' hardy in the UK?
Astrantia major 'Shaggy' 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 'Shaggy'?
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 'Capri'Great Masterwort
- Astrantia 'Moulin Rouge'Masterwort
- Astrantia 'Shaggy'Masterwort