· Astrantia (Astrantia major) is a group of flowers, also known as masterwort, that is both beautiful and unusual. This shade-loving perennial is not common to most gardens, but it should be. Let's take a look at the masterwortplant and how to care for Astrantia. · Astrantia, also known as masterwort, is a group of showy plants with long-lasting papery bracts that make excellent fresh-cut flowers and dried flowers. You certainly don’t have to cut them to enjoy them, however. Select a planting location with partial shade, such as the north side of your house or the middle or back of shaded garden beds and borders. The soil should be rich and, very important, constantly moist but the plant does not have any specific pH requirements. Locations near streams, rain gardens, water gardens, or areas such as ditches that tend t...See full list on bhg.comPlant masterwort in the spring. Dig a hole at least twice the diameter of the nursery pot and just as deep. Place the plant in the center of the hole and backfill with original soil. Tamp down the soil and water immediately to remove any air pockets. Continue watering the new plant until you see vigorous new growth. Space plants 15 to 18 inches apa...See full list on bhg.comMasterwort is propagated by division or from seed. Starting it from seed is a lengthy process, as the seeds need two to three months of cold stratification and then take several months to germinate. Plus, if you collect seeds from a cultivar that is not open-pollinated, it will likely not produce plants that are true to the parent. Some cultivars a...See full list on bhg.com‘Claret’This cultivar of Astrantia majorstands out by its dark colors, not only of the deep red flowers but also of the almost black stems. The leaves, on the other hand, are fresh green.‘Star of Fire’A favorite varietyfor cut flowers, Astrantia major'Star of Fire' has smoky burgundy-red flowers with white centers on wiry stems.‘Shaggy’The ivory-white flowers of ‘Shaggy' (A. major subsp. involucrata'Margery Fish') are not only larger than the species but also quite stunning with their papery, greenish-white collars.See full list on bhg.comAstilbeFor a graceful, feather accent to a moist, shady location, considerastilbe. Pretty plumes of white, pink, lavender, or red flowers rise above the finely divided foliage from early to late summer. Even if astilbes never bloomed, it's worth planting them merely for their handsome foliage. In spring, new foliage often emerges bright green with blushes of bronze. The plant tolerates full sun in cooler climates, provided it has a constant supply of moisture. In drier sites, however, the leaves wil...LigulariaLarge, coarsely textured leaves and golden flowers make ligulariastand out in a shade garden. This perennial has two types of blossoms: tall flower spikes reminiscent of bottlebrush or loose stalks of erratic, larger, daisy-like blossoms. The plant is a moisture-lover that does beautifully at the edges of ponds and streams or any other spot with deep, rich soil that remains moist. Zone 4-9FernsFernsare excellent companion plants for shade-loving flowering plants. Their hardiness varies by species but regardless of the climate, they need protection from afternoon sun to prevent drying and leaf scorch. What all ferns have in common is a preference for rich, humus-filled soil. Some ferns spread by underground runners, which can be helpful in places where you want a dense groundcover.See full list on bhg.comMasterwort will thrive in areas that are too wet for most other perennial flowers. Its small, muted flowers contrast well with other shade-loving plants like hostas and ferns and are an effective way to fill in blank spaces. · Among the loveliest border perennials, the distinctive, papery flowers of this pollinator friendly plant look like small pin cushions. These are carried in upright sprays on wiry, branched stems above a mound of deeply cut leaves. This plant is also valued for the excellent quality of its cut flowers, whether in bouquets or dried floral arrangements. Easy to grow, deer-resistant, disease, and pest-free, and wet soil tolerant, Astrantia is a perennial plant that is rich in many qualities aside from its good looks! With small, unusual “pincushion” flowers in subtle shades of red, pink and white, astrantia or great masterwort, is a relatively uncommon perennial in American gardens. Masterwort will thrive in areas that are too wet for most other perennial flowers. Its small, muted flowers contrast well with other shade-loving plants like hostas and ferns and are an effective way to fill in blank spaces. · Among the loveliest border perennials, the distinctive, papery flowers of this pollinator friendly plant look like small pin cushions. These are carried in upright sprays on wiry, branched stems above a mound of deeply cut leaves. This plant is also valued for the excellent quality of its cut flowers, whether in bouquets or dried floral arrangements. Easy to grow, deer-resistant, disease, and pest-free, and wet soil tolerant, Astrantia is a perennial plant that is rich in many qualities aside from its good looks! With small, unusual “pincushion” flowers in subtle shades of red, pink and white, astrantia or great masterwort, is a relatively uncommon perennial in American gardens.
