Astrantia major 'Alba'

Astrantia major 'Alba', also known as greater masterwort or great radiale, is a bright variety, with its white petals tipped with green. Its timeless charm operates all summer. This perennial, accustomed to cottage gardens, is so easy to grow that it often finds its way into neglected areas. It has for itself its simple grace, its accommodating character, and the robustness of wild plants. It is also a good flower for dry or fresh bouquets.

Astrantia major, native to central and eastern Europe, belongs to the Apiaceae family (formerly known as umbellifers), and is a distant cousin of the carrot. The bushy and loose habit serves the elegance of the flowering. The plant forms a clump of 60cm (24in) in height when in bloom, 45cm (18in) for the foliage, and 45cm (1 and 18in) wide. The foliage is dense, composed of deciduous palmate leaves with 5 deep lobes, lanceolate, toothed, green, and strongly veined. The inflorescences in umbels appear from June to August, at the end of very stiff stems. They are composed of dozens of small white flowers tipped with dark green, surrounded by an involucre of large white bracts veined with the same green.

Astrantia major 'Alba' is easy to grow in humus-bearing, moist, and well-drained soil in sunny, semi-shaded, or even shady positions in warm climates. This ancient plant, very popular in contemporary gardens, requires little maintenance, thriving even in neglected gardens. It is particularly well suited to the 'meadow' style, in mass plantings, as its flowers, very complementary to ornamental grasses, bring texture. You can also create large country bouquets along herbaceous borders, and of course make pretty fresh or dried floral compositions. It pairs perfectly with perennials and roses in natural and/or romantic settings.

Tips: Combine several varieties to create a beautiful colour palette.