Great masterwort Astrantia major Gill Richardson Group
ABOUT
Astrantia major Gill Richardson Group, commonly known as Great Masterwort, showcases a captivating appearance with a unique floral charm. This perennial exhibits a lush mound of deeply lobed, dark green foliage that provides a pleasing contrast to its standout flowers. The blooms, which appear atop slender stems, are particularly striking, with deep ruby red, pincushion-like flower heads encased by a ruff of papery bracts. These bracts are often a similar shade of dark red, though they can sometimes have a greenish tinge, adding to the depth and richness of the floral display. The combination of the intricate flower heads and bracts gives the Great Masterwort a delicate and textured look that is both elegant and whimsical. The dark tones of the flowers make them a striking choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of dramatic color to their garden palette.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Apiaceae
Synonyms
Great Masterwort, Hattie's Pincushion, Melancholy Gentleman
Common names
Astrantia major Gill Richardson Group.
ToxicityTo humans
Astrantia major, commonly known as Great Masterwort, is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to humans. There is no significant evidence stating the common symptoms of poisoning as it is generally considered non-toxic. Thus, ingesting parts of the Great Masterwort typically does not lead to serious consequences or symptoms of toxicity in humans.
To pets
Great Masterwort is not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed as a plant that commonly causes serious illness or symptoms if pets ingest it. The Astrantia major plant, including the Gill Richardson Group, is generally considered safe, and ingestion is unlikely to result in toxicity or severe consequences to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Astrantia major, commonly known as masterwort, offers striking dark red flowers that add visual interest to garden spaces.
- Pollinator Attraction: The blossoms attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Long Blooming Period: Masterwort has a lengthy flowering season, providing color from early summer to early autumn.
- Shade Tolerance: It can grow in partial shade, making it versatile for different garden spots that may not receive full sunlight.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, masterwort requires minimal care, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
- Cut Flower Use: The unique flowers make excellent additions to bouquets and floral arrangements with their long vase life.
- Drought Tolerance: After establishment, Astrantia major is relatively drought-resistant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Deer Resistant: This plant is not a preferred food source for deer, which can help to prevent damage in areas with deer populations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Astrantia major, commonly known as Masterwort, can be used as natural dye for fabrics, providing subtle hues ranging from soft pinks to gentle greens depending on the mordant used.
- It can serve as a muse for artists and photographers, who are often captivated by the intricate details and star-like appearance of its flowers.
- Masterwort's dried seed heads can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, adding a unique texture and visual appeal.
- The plant can also be used in floristry as a filler flower, with its starry blooms adding elegance to both fresh and dried floral arrangements.
- Masterwort leaves can be crushed to release a strong aroma, which can be used to naturally deter some pests in the garden.
- Fragments of the dried plants are sometimes used in crafting, for instance, in the creation of botanical-themed homemade papers.
- The Masterwort's structure and form can be an inspiration for garden designers when creating naturalistic planting schemes.
- Its resilient qualities make it a candidate for green roofing projects, particularly in cottage-style green roofs that prioritize biodiversity.
- The plant’s presence can increase the aesthetic value of a rain garden, contributing to both its function and beauty.
- Finally, Masterwort can be used educationally to demonstrate plant morphology and pollination strategies in horticultural courses and workshops.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Masterwort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Masterwort is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Uniqueness: Astrantia major, commonly known as Great Masterwort, has a distinctive appearance with its pincushion-like flower heads surrounded by a starry collar of bracts. This unique look can symbolize individuality and a standout nature.
- Mystery: The intricate details and structure of the Great Masterwort's flowers can represent the unknown and the mysterious aspects of life or relationships.
- Protection: Historically, the Great Masterwort was considered to have protective qualities and was used in folk medicine as a safeguard against negative forces and diseases.
- Perseverance: This plant is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions, symbolizing resilience and the ability to endure challenges.
- Connection with nature: With its natural charm, the Great Masterwort can symbolize a deep connection to the natural world and a love for wild, untamed beauty.
WaterGreat Masterwort prefers soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged. It is essential to water the plant deeply, ensuring that moisture reaches the roots, about once a week during dry spells. This deep watering might equate to approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons for an established plant in moderate climates. During hot or particularly dry weather, water the Great Masterwort twice a week, monitoring the soil moisture to avoid drying out or overwatering.
LightGreat Masterwort thrives in partial shade to full sun. The best spot for this plant is one where it can get morning sunlight and is protected from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. Dappled sunlight under open trees or east-facing gardens is ideal for maintaining vibrant foliage and promoting healthy flowering.
TemperatureGreat Masterwort does best in temperate conditions and can tolerate a range from about 30 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant prefers cooler temperatures and might not perform well in extended periods of high heat above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal growing conditions are often within 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, where the plant can flourish.
PruningPrune Great Masterwort to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom, typically doing so in late summer. This plant can also be cut back in late fall or early spring to tidy up any dead foliage and promote healthy new growth. Pruning is generally recommended annually.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGreat Masterwort prefers a fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5, ensuring adequate moisture without waterlogging.
RepottingGreat Masterwort does not typically require frequent repotting; it can be divided and repotted every 3 to 4 years to maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingGreat Masterwort thrives best in average garden humidity levels, without the need for special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright indirect light with moist, well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist soil, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Astrantia major Gill Richardson Group, commonly known as Great Masterwort, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in the spring when soil temperatures are warm and moisture is ample. Seedlings develop into a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, where they undergo vegetative growth. During this stage, the plant develops its root system and foliage, which are crucial for photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. In subsequent years, mature plants produce flowering stems from late spring to early summer, showcasing the characteristic pincushion-like flowers that are a deep crimson-red color. After pollination, typically involving insects like bees, the plant sets seed in late summer which can be collected for propagation or allowed to self-sow. As a perennial, the Great Masterwort dies back to the ground in the autumn, lying dormant throughout the winter, resuming growth again in the spring from the crown and completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: Masterwort, specifically Astrantia major 'Gill Richardson Group', is most commonly propagated by division. This method is ideal to perform in either spring or autumn when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring to get as much of the rootball as possible. Gently separate the plant into smaller clumps, making sure that each section has a portion of the root system. These sections can then be immediately replanted in well-prepared soil, ideally enriched with organic matter. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly. This method encourages a quicker establishment and can rejuvenate older plants that may be suffering from reduced vigour.
