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Astrantia major ‘Claret’
astrantia
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Printer-friendly Fact Sheet
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| Outstanding Qualities |
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While not as bold as some of their perennial counterparts, astrantias deserve a place in any woodland garden or partly shady border. Like little pincushions, their abundant blooms float above rosettes of midsized, deeply lobed, bright green leaves. The small individual flowers (the ‘pins’) are papery and age with grace. They are set among a ruff of similarly long-lasting, papery bracts. Flowers appear in early summer, and continue to look attractive until late summer. The individual flowers of ‘Claret’ are deep red, as is the surrounding ruff. Contrast ‘Claret’ with bold foliage plants such as Acanthus and hostas – those with blue leaves such as ‘June’ would be particularly complementary – or paler, finely cut leaves, such maidenhair fern. Use astrantias in large numbers under trees as a groundcover, and you won’t mind cutting them for fresh or dried arrangements. ‘Claret’ first arose as a seedling of ‘Ruby Wedding’. |
| Culture |
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Astrantias thrive in moist, humus-rich or heavy clay soil. With good soil moisture, astrantias can be planted in full sun, as the species grow wild in damp meadows and along stream banks. However, if you have fast-draining, sandy soil, plant your astrantias in part shade and water them during prolonged periods of drought, otherwise the foliage will scorch. Astrantias produce more flowers with half-day sun. In full shade, there are fewer flowers but the foliage is still very attractive and lush. To increase plants and to keep them vigorous, divide astrantias in early spring or late fall about every three years. |
| Growing Habit |
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‘Claret’ is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial, with bright green leaves cut into three to seven, toothed lobes. Its small flowers are deep red, as is its encircling ruff of bracts. ‘Claret’ grows about 22 inches high and 15 inches wide. |
| Hardiness |
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USDA zones 4 to 8 |
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© 2009 Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden