This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, moist, preferably humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast
• Flowering period: June to August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This is a new variety of astrantia with stunning red pincushion flowers surrounded by a ruff of red bracts that appear from early to late summer. The leaves are pretty too; deeply lobed and dark green. Although it is an old cottage garden favourite, this astrantia works equally well in contemporary-style plantings. Use towards the front of a sunny, yet moist border. It makes an excellent cut flower as the flowers last up to two weeks in a vase. Astrantias have been cultivated in Britain since the 16th century and have numerous common names, such as melancholy gentleman, Hattie's pincushion and the more well-known masterwort.
  
  
• Garden care: Astrantias do not like dry soil so incorporate plenty of organic matter when planting and water well in dry weather, especially with newly established plants. Lift and divide large clumps in early spring and apply a generous 5-7cm mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost around the plant. Divided specimens may take some time to establish since they don't like having their roots disturbed.