Astrantia Maxima

27.06.2023 - 08:51 / aberdeengardening.co.uk

Astrantia Maxima.   Of all the Astrantia’s of which there are many, Maxima in my opinion is the most striking of all.

Here we have a perennial which once had pride of place in all country cottage gardens. However this hardy plant will not look out of place in the town garden, front or back.

This distinctive variety has the largest flowers of them all, with an unusual dusky pink colour. Each individual flower is tiny and forms, what could be described as a pin cushion surrounded with paler pink petals, which are in fact bracts. The deeply divided palmate leaves are a mid green and surround the umbel’s of flowers very attractively.

Flowering from early Summer through till late August, Maxima will enhance your borders beautifully. Thrives in most soils, particularly favouring a moist position. Plant vigour can be maintained by lifting and dividing every three or four years. The RHS have deservedly given this plant their prestigious award of garden merit.

Hardiness – Fully hardy

Position – Full sun/partial shade

Height – 60cm

Common name – Masterwort

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Astrantia Major

Here we have (Astrantia Major), looks great in a woodland setting or in the borders of a cottage garden. Flowering, June/August, definitely one of our favourites.

The neat pincushion flowers are silvery white with just a hint of pale pink. This perennial cultivated as early as the 16th century enjoys dappled shade or a sunny border if kept moist.

Lift and divide large clumps in early Spring, apply a generous mulch of garden compost around the plant.

Position – Full sun/Partial shade.(moist soil)

Hardiness – Fully hardy

Height – 90cm/3ft

Common name – Masterwort

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Astrantia Ruby Wedding

Astra