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Astrantia major 'Claret'

great black masterwort

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Astrantia 'Claret' is one of the darkest-flowered astrantias, with deep, ruby-red pincushion-like flowers with a ruff of longer bracts than many other varieties. The leaves are pretty too, being deeply lobed and dark green.

Although it is an old cottage garden favourite, this Astrantia works equally well in contemporary-style plantings. Use it towards the front of a sunny, reliably moist border, where the flower colour can be fully appreciated.

How to care for Astrantia major Claret:

Incorporate plenty of organic matter when planting and water well in dry weather, especially newly established plants.

Lift and divide large clumps in early spring and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) 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.

Astrantia thrive in consistently moist soils and perform best in cool, partially shaded summer conditions.
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
0.9m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

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

Product options

Product options image
RH30000099
9cm pot
£12.99
available to order from late spring
Product options image
RH30000646
3 × 9cm pots
£29.99 £10.00 each
available to order from late spring
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Standard delivery Standard Delivery£5.95

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