About
Astrantia major subsp. involucrata 'Barrister' is a perennial that typically reaches a height of about 30 cm, forming a dense clump. Its foliage consists of dark green leaves that are deeply divided and have coarsely toothed edges. The plant produces branched stems adorned with compact clusters of large white bracts, each edged in jade green. These floral displays emerge in late June and can be followed by a second wave of blooms in late summer if the plants are pruned after the initial flowering.
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, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Best grown in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil in sun or partial shade but will tolerate drier conditions
- Pruning
- Deadhead to prolong flowering. Cut back after flowering to encourage a second flush in late summer
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to astrantia leaf miner
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews