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ASTRANTIA
A wonderful little perennial that really performs and won't over take the garden is Astrantia (Masterwort). The common name is not very pretty or descriptive but when in bloom I get more comments on this plant. It's a member of the Apiaceae family, which is the same family carrots, dill, parsnips, and celery share. When looking at the foliage you can see the resemblance to celery leaves. It blooms in shades of white, pink, rose to burgundy, obviously depending on hybrid. Very cold hardy it grows rather slowly. Mine started in 4' pots and after four years had only gotten 18" across. The above pictured is Astrantia major 'Ruby Wedding' which I grow in a mostly sunning location. Flowers stay on for a long time and unlike many of its relatives ( fennel, carrots) it doesn't reseed. Being very versatile it works beautifully with woodland looking plants like Hostas and Heucheras. Or for that English country garden look it blends nicely with Echinaceas, Larkspurs, Delphiniums, and Cosmos.
A wonderful little perennial that really performs and won't over take the garden is Astrantia (Masterwort). The common name is not very pretty or descriptive but when in bloom I get more comments on this plant. It's a member of the Apiaceae family, which is the same family carrots, dill, parsnips, and celery share. When looking at the foliage you can see the resemblance to celery leaves. It blooms in shades of white, pink, rose to burgundy, obviously depending on hybrid. Very cold hardy it grows rather slowly. Mine started in 4' pots and after four years had only gotten 18" across. The above pictured is Astrantia major 'Ruby Wedding' which I grow in a mostly sunning location. Flowers stay on for a long time and unlike many of its relatives ( fennel, carrots) it doesn't reseed. Being very versatile it works beautifully with woodland looking plants like Hostas and Heucheras. Or for that English country garden look it blends nicely with Echinaceas, Larkspurs, Delphiniums, and Cosmos. 
4 comments:
Very interesting plant. I have admired it for years but this year I finally bought one. It is doing well but I was worried it had grown much. So I am releaved that it is a slow grower. At the moment I can remember what the name of mine is but the blooms look similar in color to this one. Thanks for sharing the information about how the plant has performed for you. Makes me feel better about mine.
ps love the way you cordinate the color of the works in your post with the flower you are posting about. Nice!!
Thanks Cliff, I always appreciate your kind words.
Bob
This is one of those plants that I like, but just haven't gotten around to purchasing...next year, for sure!
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