Overview
Astrantia 'Roma' is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Astrantia, part of the Apiaceae family. Astrantia 'Roma' grows best in partial shade and full sun, and tolerates moist and well-drained soil soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and cut flowers. It is native to Europe.
About
Astrantia 'Roma' is a named cultivar of Astrantia in the family Apiaceae, grown for its decorative, star-shaped floral bracts. It is an herbaceous plant with aromatic underground stems noted historically for their use. In the UK it flowers from June to August. Plants produce a clump-forming habit from rhizomes and are typically managed as a perennial.
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 'Roma' belongs to the genus Astrantia within the Apiaceae and shares the genus’s characteristic star-like floral bracts and palmate leaves. The genus comes from central, eastern and southern Europe and the Caucasus, and members are herbaceous perennials that spread from rhizomes; stems and underground parts have been used for medicinal purposes and yield essential oils. In cultivation, Astrantia 'Roma' is treated as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial. Plants emerge from rhizomes each season and can be renewed by lifting and dividing those rhizomes when the clump shows signs of decline. Flowering in the UK occurs from June to August, providing a clear midsummer display that lasts several weeks. Maintenance is straightforward: remove spent flowerheads to tidy the clump and divide older plants to restore vigour. Use Astrantia 'Roma' where you want sustained mid-summer floral interest and textured foliage; it sits well with other herbaceous perennials and in mixed borders. The plant’s rhizomatous habit means that occasional division keeps flowering strong and prevents the centre from becoming woody, so plan to renew older clumps every few years to maintain best performance.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Astrantia
- Sunlight
- partial shade, full sun
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained soil
- Soil pH
- neutral to alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- partial shade
- Exposure
- sheltered to semi-exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Astrantia 'Roma' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, cottage gardens, cut flowers
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Astrantia 'Roma'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil; mulch in winter; avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming; cut back after flowering
- Propagation
- division in spring or autumn, seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Astrantia 'Roma'?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil; mulch in winter; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Astrantia 'Roma'?
Astrantia 'Roma' prefers partial shade and full sun. It suits sheltered to semi-exposed positions.
What soil does Astrantia 'Roma' need?
Astrantia 'Roma' grows best in moist and well-drained soil soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Astrantia 'Roma'?
Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming; cut back after flowering.
Is Astrantia 'Roma' hardy in the UK?
Astrantia 'Roma' 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 'Roma'?
Division in spring or autumn, seed.
More in the Astrantia genus
- Astrantia major 'Capri'Great Masterwort
- Astrantia major 'Shaggy'Great Masterwort
- Astrantia 'Moulin Rouge'Masterwort
- Astrantia 'Shaggy'Masterwort