Astrantia major 'Claret'
great black masterwort
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.
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.
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
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
