Astrantia major Star of Magic - Masterwort

Astrantia major 'Star of Magic' is a brand new variety of masterwort from the Netherlands. It stands out with magnificent and unusual foliage; its large palmate leaves are a dark greyish green, irregularly margined and splashed with white and cream. Throughout the summer, long stems emerge from this foliage bearing richly coloured pink-purple flowers. Astrantia major is a perennial commonly found in cottage gardens.  It is a native plant that is easy to grow in moist soil and partial shade. 'Star of Magic' shows a striking display which is unique among these plants. It is also a good flower for both dried and fresh bouquets.

Astrantia major, native to central and eastern Europe, belongs to the family of Apiaceae (formerly known as Umbelliferae), it is a distant relative of the carrot. In Astrantia 'Star of Magic', the basal clump habit and variegated foliage, enhance the elegance of the flowering. The plant forms a clump with a height of 60 cm (24in) when in bloom, 45 cm (18in) for the foliage, and 45 cm (18in) wide. The foliage is dense, composed of deciduous palmate leaves with 5 deep lobes, lanceolate, toothed, and strongly veined. The flowers in umbels appear from June to August-September, at the top of very stiff stems. They are composed of dozens of tiny rather dark pink flowers, surrounded by a collar of large, deeper purple pearly bracts.

Easy to grow, Astrantia major 'Star of Magic' thrives in humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil in sunny or partial shade, and even full shade in hot climates. This plant, very popular in contemporary gardens, requires little maintenance and can even thrive in neglected areas. It pairs beautifully with pastel colours of foxgloves, phlox, annual poppies, columbines, and lungworts... Combine it with perennials and roses in any style of garden: modern, natural, or romantic. This variety also grows very well in pots.

Tips: Combine multiple varieties to create a beautiful palette of colours.