Overview
Astrantia 'Shaggy' is a perennial in the genus Astrantia, part of the Apiaceae family. Astrantia 'Shaggy' grows best in partial shade and full sun, and tolerates moist and well-drained soil soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and cut flowers.
About
Astrantia 'Shaggy' is a perennial in the Apiaceae, commonly known as Masterwort and grown for borders, cottage gardens and cut flowers. It performs in partial shade or full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Rated H5, it is hardy in most UK gardens and flowers from June to August. Give it a reliably moist spot and it will provide summer stems for the vase.
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 'Shaggy' is a perennial in the Apiaceae genus Astrantia, originally associated with parts of continental Europe and the Caucasus. Gardeners prize it for its summer flowering stems and its suitability for informal planting, where it integrates with mixed borders and traditional cottage schemes. Plant in partial shade or full sun according to the site and keep the soil consistently moist but well drained; heavy waterlogging should be avoided. The plant is rated H5, meaning it is hardy in most UK gardens, so it survives typical winter conditions without tender protection. Positioning in a spot that retains some moisture will reduce the need for frequent watering in dry periods. It works well in the middle or front of mixed borders, alongside other perennials that enjoy similar soil and light. It also provides stems suitable for cutting during its June to August flowering season. Deadhead lightly if you wish to tidy the display, and take a few stems for a vase when blooms first open to make the most of its summer presence.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Astrantia
- Sunlight
- partial shade, full sun
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained soil
- Soil moisture
- moist
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Astrantia 'Shaggy' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, cottage gardens, cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Astrantia 'Shaggy'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; avoid dry conditions.
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
- Propagation
- division in spring or autumn, seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Astrantia 'Shaggy'?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; avoid dry conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Astrantia 'Shaggy'?
Astrantia 'Shaggy' prefers partial shade and full sun.
What soil does Astrantia 'Shaggy' need?
Astrantia 'Shaggy' grows best in moist and well-drained soil soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Astrantia 'Shaggy'?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Astrantia 'Shaggy' hardy in the UK?
Astrantia 'Shaggy' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Astrantia 'Shaggy'?
Division in spring or autumn, seed.
More in the Astrantia genus
- Astrantia 'Roma'Masterwort
- Astrantia major 'Capri'Great Masterwort
- Astrantia major 'Shaggy'Great Masterwort
- Astrantia 'Moulin Rouge'Masterwort