Overview
Astrantia major subsp. involucrata ('Shaggy') is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Astrantia, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Astrantia major subsp. involucrata ('Shaggy') grows best in full sun, 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. It is native to central and eastern Europe.
About
Astrantia major subsp. involucrata ('Shaggy') is an herbaceous perennial in the Apiaceae that reaches about 0.8 m. It flowers from June to August. Native to central and eastern Europe, it prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soils. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7; USDA 4–9).
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Astrantia major
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 subsp. involucrata ('Shaggy') is a herbaceous perennial from central and eastern Europe, grown for its summer flowering habit and compact stature of roughly 0.8 m. As a member of the Apiaceae, it establishes as a perennial clump that reliably produces flowers between June and August. Plant where it receives full sun and in soils that retain moisture yet drain freely; suitable textures include sandy, loamy or clay substrates provided they are not waterlogged. In UK hardiness terms it is H7 (fully hardy), and it also falls within USDA zones 4–9, so established plants tolerate typical UK winter conditions without special winter protection. Allow space for a 0.8 m high specimen in the middle of a herbaceous border or any sunny bed where soil remains moist but not saturated. Regular soil moisture through the growing season supports steady flowering from June to August. The plant’s reliable summer display and measured height make it straightforward to position where a mid-height perennial is required, and its flowering period is a dependable feature for summer planting plans.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Astrantia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Astrantia major subsp. involucrata ('Shaggy') size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.8 m
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Cut flowers
- Native to
- central and eastern Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Astrantia major subsp. involucrata ('Shaggy')
- 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 subsp. involucrata ('Shaggy')?
Astrantia major subsp. involucrata ('Shaggy') prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Astrantia major subsp. involucrata ('Shaggy') need?
Astrantia major subsp. involucrata ('Shaggy') is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Astrantia major subsp. involucrata ('Shaggy') grow?
Astrantia major subsp. involucrata ('Shaggy') reaches a height of 0.8 m.
Is Astrantia major subsp. involucrata ('Shaggy') hardy in the UK?
Astrantia major subsp. involucrata ('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 subsp. involucrata ('Shaggy')?
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