Great masterwort Astrantia 'Ruby Star' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Astrantia 'Ruby Star', commonly known as Great Masterwort, is notable for its distinctive and attractive flowers. Each bloom presents a pincushion-like central cluster of tiny, ruby-red florets, which are subtended by a starburst of bracts that can range from a deep pink to a reddish hue. These bracts are often tipped with a lighter pink or white, creating a striking contrast against the darker center. The foliage of the Great Masterwort is similarly appealing. It comprises of deeply lobed, palmate leaves that are medium green in color. These leaves create an elegant backdrop for the flowers and often have a slightly serrated edge, which adds texture to the overall appearance of the plant. The Astrantia 'Ruby Star' exhibits a clumping habit, forming a cluster of upright stems that are robust and straight. The texture of the stems is typically smooth, and they are adorned with the showy flowers from late spring to late summer, providing a long-lasting display. While the blooms are the main attraction, their subtle, earthy scent also contributes to the sensory allure of the plant. When planted in a garden, the Great Masterwort can be a focal point due to its unique flowers that also attract pollinators like bees. It holds up well in cut-flower arrangements, adding a touch of elegance and intrigue to bouquets with its layered floral structure. Overall, the Astrantia 'Ruby Star' is a charming and versatile plant that can enrich a garden with its beauty and long blooming season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Apiaceae.
Synonyms
Great Masterwort, Hattie's Pincushion, Melancholy Gentleman, Ruby Star Masterwort.
Common names
Astrantia 'Ruby Star' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Masterwort is generally considered non-toxic to humans, and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning or adverse effects from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it is always best to avoid ingesting plants that are not commonly recognized as food.
To pets
Masterwort is not known to be toxic to pets. There is no specific information suggesting that dogs, cats, or other domestic animals experience adverse effects from ingesting this plant. However, pet owners should always be cautious and prevent pets from consuming non-food plants, as individual reactions can vary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Astrantia 'Ruby Star' produces deep ruby-red, pincushion-like flowers that add a vibrant touch to garden landscapes.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a generous blooming period that lasts from early summer to early fall, providing a persistent display of color.
- Low Maintenance: It is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: This plant is less appealing to deer and rabbits, making it suitable for gardens prone to browsing by wildlife.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Astrantia 'Ruby Star' is quite drought-tolerant, which is beneficial in areas with water restrictions or dry climates.
- Versatile Planting: It is suitable for a variety of garden settings, including borders, cottage gardens, and woodland gardens.
- Cut Flower Use: The flowers are excellent for cutting and can be used in floral arrangements, adding longevity and interest indoors.
- Texture and Structure: The unique foliage and flower shape provide texture and structure to garden compositions.
- Extended Season of Interest: The seed heads remain decorative into the winter, extending the visual interest of the plant beyond the growing season.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural dye: The roots of the Astrantia can be boiled to produce a red dye for coloring fabrics or other materials.
- Photography: Astrantia flowers offer a unique shape and texture that can serve as an intriguing subject for macro photography enthusiasts.
- Crafting: Dried Astrantia flowers can be used in crafting, for example in scrapbooking or as an embellishment in handmade cards.
- Floral Art: With their attractive star-shaped blooms, Astrantia flowers can be incorporated into floral art pieces like flower mandalas.
- Bookmarks: Pressed Astrantia flowers can be used to create beautiful and natural bookmarks.
- Edible Decorations: Although not widely known for their taste, the petals can be used as edible garnishes on cakes and desserts.
- Wedding Confetti: Dried Astrantia petals can be used as biodegradable confetti at weddings or celebrations.
- Plant Markers: Stems of Astrantia can be trimmed and used to create natural-looking plant markers in the garden.
- Culinary Presentation: Fresh Astrantia flowers can be used for garnishing high-end culinary presentations to add a touch of elegance.
- Edible Flower Ice Cubes: Freeze Astrantia flowers in ice cube trays to create visually stunning ice cubes for special drinks and cocktails.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiAstrantia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityAstrantia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Astrantia is often associated with protection because of its intricate, star-like bracts that seem to shield the central florets.
- Permanence and Longevity: With its long-lasting flowers, astrantia symbolizes endurance and the lasting nature of affection or a relationship.
- Courage and Strength: The robust nature and hardiness of the Astrantia 'Ruby Star' can represent courage and the strength to persevere through challenges.
- Unity: The coherent pattern and structure of astrantia blooms are suggestive of unity and togetherness, making it a choice for communal events or symbols.
- Mystery and Magic: The intricate details and patterns of the Astrantia 'Ruby Star' can signify a sense of mystery and enchantment, linking it to magical or otherworldly themes.
WaterMasterwort (Astrantia 'Ruby Star') prefers consistently moist soil and should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. In hotter climates or during periods of drought, increase watering frequency to maintain soil moisture, but avoid waterlogging the plant. It's best to water the plant deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root development. Rely on a rain gauge or check the soil moisture at a depth of about 2 inches to ensure proper hydration without overwatering.
LightMasterwort thrives in partial shade, where it receives dappled sunlight or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. The ideal location would shield it from the intense heat of the midday sun, which can scorch the leaves and compromise the plant's health. A spot that offers protection from strong winds while providing ample bright, indirect light will promote healthy growth and abundant blooming.
TemperatureMasterwort can tolerate a range of temperatures and is generally cold-hardy. It can survive in temperatures as low as 0°F and thrive in conditions up to around 80°F. However, it performs best at moderate temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. Ensure protection from extreme cold and frost by mulching around the base during the winter months.
PruningPruning Masterwort is primarily done to remove spent flowers and encourage new blooms. Deadheading, or cutting off the faded flower heads, can be done throughout the blooming season. After the first killing frost, cut the plant back to ground level to help maintain a tidy appearance and prevent disease. Pruning can also be performed in the spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and promote vigorous growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMasterwort 'Ruby Star' thrives in fertile, moist, well-drained soil, with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.8. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part leaf mold or peat moss is ideal. Regular amendment with organic matter helps maintain soil health.
RepottingMasterwort 'Ruby Star' does not typically need frequent repotting and can remain in the same spot for several years. Repotting is usually only necessary if the plant outgrows its space or the soil quality degrades significantly.
Humidity & MistingMasterwort 'Ruby Star' prefers average to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It generally does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Masterwort 'Ruby Star' in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Masterwort 'Ruby Star' in partial shade and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleAstrantia 'Ruby Star', commonly known as Great Masterwort, starts its life as a seed germinating in early spring. The seedling develops true leaves and a root system, gradually establishing itself as a young plant. As temperatures rise, the plant enters a vegetative growth phase, producing clumps of palmate-leaved foliage. By late spring to early summer, the mature plant begins to reproduce, sending up flowering stems topped with pincushion-like blooms surrounded by ruby-colored bracts. After pollination, often by bees, the flowers develop into seedheads, which disperse seeds to begin the next generation. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, with the root system surviving underground to sprout again the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Astrantia 'Ruby Star', commonly known as Masterwort, is best propagated during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The most popular method of propagation for the Masterwort is division, which involves separating the plant into smaller parts that can be replanted and grown individually. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the Masterwort, ensuring you get a large root ball. Gently pull apart the plant clumps, ensuring that each new section has a good amount of roots attached. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to provide ample room for growth. Water the new plantings well to help establish them. This straightforward method of propagation helps to rejuvenate older plants and increase your stock of this beautiful perennial.
