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Masterwort

Astrantia

Astrantia carniolica
A compact, dense, clumping perennial, reaching up to 2.5 x 3 ( rarely over 1.5 ) feet, with pinkish-white ( with white bracts ) flower heads, up to 1 inch across, borne during late summer.
The deep green foliage is finely-divided.
Hardy zones 3b to 6 in full sun to partial shade on moist, fertile, well drained soil.
It prefers cool summers and hot summer nights are fatal in the southeast U.S. Pest and disease resistant. Propagation is from seed or division during autumn or early spring. When dividing clumps, replant root pieces exceeding 2 inches in diameter that have growth buds. It will often self seed if not deadheaded. The seed needs a cold period to germinate so it is recommended to sow the fresh seed in containers that can be left outdoors ( or in the refridgerator for 2 months ) over winter.

Rubra
Deep red flowers, otherwise identical.

Astrantia major ( Major Masterwort )
A dense, clumping perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3.6 x 4 feet, that is native to the European Alps. It looks expecially attractive next to a small pond.
The large leaves are dissected. The foliage is glossy deep green.
The white, pink or rosy-pink ( with purplish-pink bracts ) flower inflorescences, are borne over a long season during mid to late summer.
It makes a great cut flower.
Hardy zones 3b to 6 ( to 8 on Pacific Coast and British Isles ) in full sun to partial shade on moist, fertile, well drained soil.
It prefers cool summers and hot summer nights or drought are fatal in the southeast U.S. Masterwort is pest and disease resistant. Propagation is from seed or division during autumn or early spring. It will often self seed if not deadheaded.

* photo taken on Aug 2 2013 in Stratford, Ontario


Variegata
Foliage is variegated, otherwise identical.

Astrantia maxima ( Great Masterwort )
A fast growing, rhizomatous, densely-clumping perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3.5 x 4 feet, that is native to Europe and western Asia. The Great Masterwort can quickly form large patches.
The large leaves are dissected into 5 lobes. The attractive foliage is mid-green.
The papery, greenish-white ( with shiny rosy-pink, wide bracts ), starry flowers are borne on inflorescences, up to 1.6 inches across, during mid to late summer.
It makes a great cut flower.
Hardy zones 4 to 6 ( to 8 on Pacific Coast and British Isles ) in full sun to partial shade on moist, fertile, well drained soil.
It prefers cool summers and hot summer nights are fatal in the southeast U.S.
Pest and disease resistant. Propagation is from seed or division during autumn or early spring. It will often self seed if not deadheaded.

* photos of unknown internet source



Alba
Vigorous, dense and sturdy, reaching up to 2.5 feet.
The white flowers are borne from early summer to early autumn.

Claret
Reaches up to 2.5 x 2.5 feet, with intense purplish-pink flowers.

* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery


Hadspen Blood
Reaches up to 32 inches in height, with attractive purplish-green foliage and showy red flowers.

Lars
Sturdy and compact, reaching up to 2.5 feet, with deep green foliage and deep red flowers.

Primadonna
Reaches up to 2.5 feet in height, with purple flowers.
Prefers partial shade.

Ruby Cloud
Forms a dense, tight clump, reaching up to 3 x 2 feet, with very dissected, small leaves that are mid-green.
The profuse flowers and the stems are deep red to reddish-purple.

Ruby Wedding
Reaches up to 3 x 2.5 feet, with deep red flowers borne during early summer, then repeating during late summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 7 preferring partial shade.