Great Masterwort
astrantia major
Also known as: ["Masterwort","Hattie's Pincushion"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial with delicate, pincushion-like flowers and deeply divided foliage, native to Central and Southern Europe.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Genus: | Astrantia |
| Botanical Name: | Astrantia major |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden border or woodland edge
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in late autumn.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun); protect from harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to sunlight; avoid direct afternoon sun to prevent scorching; place in dappled shade in hot climates.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun preferred; provide shade in afternoon; rotate pot for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights.
Avoid extreme heat; protect from frost; maintain moderate humidity.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly; stop in late summer to encourage hardiness; use organic options like compost tea.
Propagation
Methods
Division or basal cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots.
- Plant basal cuttings in moist soil.
- Keep moist and shaded.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when plants are dormant or just beginning growth.
Environment
Cool, humid conditions with indirect light; protect from extreme temperatures.
Medium
Rich, well-draining soil mix with added compost or peat.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; optional for cuttings.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; cuttings: roots in 4–6 weeks, mature plant in 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, clean pots, rooting medium.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; take cuttings in early growth phase.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead by cutting stems just above a leaf node; cut back old foliage to ground level in autumn.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back foliage in autumn to tidy appearance.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, gloves.
Checklist
Deadhead regularly; cut back in autumn; sanitize tools between uses.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with added compost.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even saturation of the root zone; allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold to enhance fertility and structure.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause root damage in prolonged cold or frost.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost with row covers or move containers indoors.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak sun; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; cease in autumn.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAstrantia major is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAstrantia major is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAstrantia major is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Astrantia major?
A: Propagate by division in early spring or by seed in autumn.
Q: Does Astrantia major attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees and butterflies.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Astrantia major?
A: It thrives in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil and regular watering.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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