Astrantia major 'Penny's Pink'
masterwort
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average to fast
- Flowering period: June to August
- Hardiness: fully hardy
A particularly free-flowering Astrantia 'Penny's Pink' will provide summer-long interest. Each rich pink flower cluster is surrounded by a ruff of green flushed, pale pink bracts, which are attractively veined with a deeper pink. Wonderful in the mixed or herbaceous border, they make easy companions for a host of other ornamentals including grasses.
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 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.