Astrantia major Rosensinfonie - Masterwort

Astrantia major 'Rosensinfonie' is a particularly delightful variety of masterwort which flowers from the beginning of summer.  Its flowers are certainly modest in size, but are beautiful with their pale pink, metallic bracts with a dome of tiny, sparkling, wine-coloured flowers. It is a perennial that is so easy to grow that it often settles in all slightly neglected places. Graceful and floriferous, it is also a very hardy variety and a good flower for dry or fresh bouquets.

Astrantia major, native to central and eastern Europe, belongs to the Apiaceae family (formerly known as the Umbelliferae), and is a distant relative of the carrot. The bushy and rather loose habit displays elegant flowers. 'Rosensinfonie' forms a clump of 60 to 70 cm (24 to 28in) in height when in flower, 50 cm (20in) for the foliage, and 30 cm (1 and 12in) wide. The foliage is dense, composed of deciduous palmate leaves with 5 deep lobes, lanceolate, dentate, green, and strongly veined. The flowers in umbels appear from June to August, at the end of very upright stems. They are smaller than those of the species, composed of dozens of small very dark reddish-purple flowers surrounded by collar-like large pearly pink bracts.

Easy to cultivate, Astrantia major 'Rosensinfonie' grows in humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil, even clay soil, in sunny or partially shaded and even full shade positions, in warm climates. Simple and elegant, masterwort brings a touch of naturalness and refinement to the garden. This plant, very popular in contemporary arrangements, requires little maintenance, thriving even where the garden is not maintained. It blends perfectly with pastel colors. Combine it with perennials and roses in any style of garden: modern, natural, or romantic.

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