Great masterwort Astrantia major 'Claret'
ABOUT
The Great Masterwort 'Claret' features a unique and attractive appearance with tiny, dark, claret-red flowers tightly packed into a dome shape, surrounded by a ruff of papery bracts that further enhance its appeal. These floral bracts are often a lighter shade than the small flowers, creating a two-tone effect that can catch the eye from a distance. The blossoms are held high above the lush green foliage on sturdy stems, gracefully presenting their blooms above the leaves. The foliage itself comprises deeply lobed leaves that are somewhat palmate in shape, lending a textured and rich green backdrop to the striking flowers. This combination of dark red flowers and green leaves gives Great Masterwort 'Claret' a dramatic and sophisticated presence in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Apiaceae
Synonyms
Great Masterwort, Hattie's Pincushion, Melancholy Gentleman
Common names
Astrantia major 'Claret'.
ToxicityTo humans
The great masterwort (Astrantia major 'Claret') is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from this plant, and it is generally considered safe to handle and be around. Consequently, there are no specific symptoms associated with the ingestion of great masterwort that are known. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or reactions are possible, so it is advisable to exercise caution if you are not familiar with how your body might react.
To pets
The great masterwort (Astrantia major 'Claret') is not widely recognized as being toxic to pets. It does not appear on common lists of plants that are poisonous to dogs, cats, or other domestic animals. Therefore, there typically are no symptoms of poisoning expected if a pet ingests this plant. As with any non-food plant, ingestion can potentially cause mild stomach upset in some pets due to the novelty and fiber content, but toxicity is not a known issue with great masterwort. However, pet owners should always be careful and monitor their pets for any adverse reactions when they come into contact with new plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Maroon
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Astrantia major 'Claret' is known for attracting bees and butterflies, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it a great choice for both novice and expert gardeners.
- Drought Resistant: It's relatively drought tolerant once fully established, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming: It has a long flowering period, often from early summer to late autumn, providing extended visual interest.
- Versatile Planting Options: Suitable for borders, cottage gardens, and informal garden settings.
- Cut Flower: Makes excellent cut flowers with a long vase life, perfect for floral arrangements.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Its resistance to deer and rabbit browsing helps to protect it in a garden that might be susceptible to these animals.
- Ornamental Seed Heads: The seed heads provide winter interest and can also be used in dried flower arrangements.
- Shade Tolerance: Can tolerate partial shade, making it a good choice for underplanting beneath canopy trees or in shadier parts of the garden.
- Soil Adaptability: Can grow in a range of soils, requiring only that the soil be well-draining.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dyeing: Astrantia major 'Claret' can be used to produce a range of dyes for wool or fabric, giving soft hues that work well in traditional textile projects.
- Companion Planting: The plant can be used in vegetable gardens to attract beneficial insects that help to reduce the populations of pests.
- Crafts: Dried flower heads can be used in the creation of rustic and natural craft items such as wreaths, wall hangings or table centerpieces.
- Photography: The distinct shape and color of Astrantia major 'Claret' make it an ideal subject for botanical photography and art.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly used for eating, the blossoms can be placed on plates as an edible garnish to add elegance to gourmet dishes.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: The petals of the plant, when dried, can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative for events and celebrations.
- Floral Arranging: The long-lasting flowers and stems of Astrantia major 'Claret' make them a popular choice for fresh and dried floral arrangements.
- Art Supplies: The unique form and structure of the flowers can inspire or be incorporated into mixed media art, including botanical illustration.
- Education: The plant can be used as a learning tool in gardens to teach about native flora and the importance of preserving plant diversity.
- Landscape Design: Astrantia major 'Claret' can serve as a striking focal point or accent in ornamental shady gardens due to its deep, rich coloring.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Masterwort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Masterwort is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Complexity and Intricacy - The star-like bracts and dense umbels of the Masterwort exemplify the complexities and the beautiful intricacies of life.
- Protection - In historic herbal medicine, Masterwort was used for protection against diseases and evil spirits, symbolizing safety and security.
- Grace and Elegance - With its delicate features and the deep red 'Claret' coloration, the Masterwort epitomizes grace and elegance, often used in gardens and floral arrangements to convey these qualities.
- Perseverance and Longevity - Masterwort is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in difficult conditions, symbolizing endurance and long-lasting life.
- Mystery and Secretiveness - The complex structure of the flower heads can give Masterwort a sense of mystery, reflecting secretive or hidden qualities due to its layered and obscured petals.
WaterGreat Masterwort requires consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season. It is best to water it deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which could mean watering once or twice a week depending on the weather conditions. Using about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant for each watering session should suffice to maintain the soil moisture levels. During periods of heat and drought, be vigilant and water more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out entirely. In cooler, wetter climates or seasons, you can reduce the frequency to prevent waterlogging.
LightGreat Masterwort thrives best in partial shade, preferring cool and dappled sunlight. It can tolerate full sun in cooler regions but requires protection from harsh afternoon sun that can scorch its leaves and flowers. A spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade is often ideal for maintaining the vibrant color and health of the plant.
TemperatureGreat Masterwort is hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to about 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and up to around 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It’s important to avoid extreme heat, as this plant prefers cooler conditions. The ideal temperature range for the Great Masterwort would generally fall between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for robust growth and flowering.
PruningGreat Masterwort should be pruned to remove spent flowers, encourage a second bloom, and maintain a tidy appearance. It’s best to prune right after the first flush of flowers fades, usually in mid to late summer. Deadheading the faded blossoms can stimulate another flowering cycle. Additionally, pruning in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage prepares the plant for new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Great Masterwort (Astrantia major 'Claret') thrives in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil with good drainage. The ideal soil mix should feature a combination of garden loam, organic matter (like well-rotted compost or leaf mould), and some sharp sand to improve drainage. The soil pH should lean towards neutral to slightly acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingGreat Masterwort does not typically require frequent repotting as it is usually grown outdoors and prefers to be left undisturbed. It may only need repotting if it outgrows its current location or when dividing every few years to rejuvenate and propagate the plant.
Humidity & MistingGreat Masterwort prefers a location with average to high ambient humidity. It thrives outdoors where natural humidity levels are generally suitable, but it does not require any special additional humidity measures to grow healthily.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light, cool temperatures, and high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, keep soil moist, and protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Masterwort 'Claret' begins with seed germination, typically occurring in the spring when soil temperatures warm up. The seeds develop into small seedlings with characteristic foliage. As the seedlings grow, they develop a rosette of leaves at the base and eventually send up sturdy stems. Flower buds form at the top of these stems and bloom in early to mid-summer, showcasing the plant's distinctive pincushion-like flowers with deep red to burgundy hues. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be collected for propagation or allowed to self-sow in the garden. Over the winter, Masterwort 'Claret' may die back to the ground, especially in colder climates, but it is a perennial that re-emerges from its rootstock the following spring to repeat its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Astrantia major 'Claret', commonly known as Great Masterwort, can be propagated through division, which is the most popular method. The best time for dividing Great Masterwort is either in the spring as new growth commences or in the early fall after the blooming period. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of the plant from the ground using a garden fork, making sure to keep as many roots intact as possible. Gently tease apart the plant sections, ensuring each has a portion of root and a few shoots. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 16 to 20 inches (approximately 40 to 50 centimeters) apart to allow sufficient room for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly to help establish them. This proper division will result in healthier, robust plants and is excellent for maintaining plant vigor and flower quality.
