Masterwort 'Abbey Road' Astrantia major 'Abbey Road' (PBR)

Water

The Great Masterwort (Astrantia major 'Abbey Road') requires regular watering to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during dry spells. In general, water the plant deeply once a week with about 1 gallon of water per plant, ensuring that you are not just wetting the surface but soaking the soil to reach the roots. During hot weather or periods of drought, you may need to water twice a week. Always check the soil moisture before watering, as overwatering can be as harmful as underwatering. Reduce watering frequency as the plant becomes established and in cooler months to prevent waterlogging.

Light

The Great Masterwort thrives best in partial shade to full sun, preferring a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing it in an area with harsh, direct afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates, as this can scorch the leaves and stress the plant.

Temperature

Great Masterwort is cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to about 0 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for growing in many climates. The ideal temperature range for the Great Masterwort is generally between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It's a hardy perennial and can withstand cold winters, but should be protected from extreme heat and frost.

Pruning

The Great Masterwort should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage further blooming. Prune the plant after the first flush of flowers has faded, typically in midsummer. Cut the stems back by about half to promote a second bloom period. Additionally, in late fall or early spring, cut back dead foliage to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage healthy growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Great masterwort requires a soil mix with good drainage, rich in organic matter, preferably garden loam mixed with compost and some grit or perlite to improve drainage. The soil pH for optimal growth should be neutral to slightly alkaline, around 7.0.

Repotting

Great masterwort does not require frequent repotting and can typically be done every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.

Humidity & Misting

Great masterwort prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity typical of outdoor garden settings.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with moist, well-drained soil.

• Outdoor

  Grow in partial shade or sun, in fertile, moist soil.

• Hardiness zone

  4-7 USDA

Life cycle

Astrantia major 'Abbey Road', commonly known as Great Masterwort, initiates its life cycle as a seed which, when sown, germinates in a damp, cool environment, typically in spring. After germination, the seedling establishes itself, developing a rosette of leaves at ground level and roots that anchor into the soil and absorb nutrients. In the first few years, it grows vegetatively, forming a clump with its deeply lobed, dark green leaves and begins to develop its robust root system. As a perennial, after the establishment phase, Astrantia major 'Abbey Road' enters the flowering stage, producing tall stems topped with pincushion-like inflorescences surrounded by petal-like bracts in summer. After blooming, the flowers may develop into seed heads if pollination is successful, and as the growing season ends, the plant may die back at the surface level while the roots remain dormant through the winter. With the return of favorable conditions in spring, Astrantia major 'Abbey Road' regrows from its rootstock, continuing its life cycle for several years before it may eventually require division or succumb to age or environmental stresses.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• One of the most popular methods of propagating Astrantia major 'Abbey Road', commonly known as Great Masterwort, is by division. This is best done in the spring as the new growth appears. To propagate by division, carefully lift the plant from the soil and gently separate the crown into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system attached. It is important to make sure that each division has at least one growing point. The divisions can then be immediately replanted into well-prepared soil, spaced about 15 to 18 inches apart (approximately 38 to 45 centimeters). Water thoroughly after planting to establish the new divisions. This method of propagation ensures that the new plants will be true to the parent plant, as it is a form of vegetative reproduction.