Great Masterwort Astrantia major subsp. involucrata 'Shaggy'
ABOUT
The plant, commonly known as Great Masterwort, is notable for its distinctive flower heads, which are characterized by a starburst of tiny, delicate, pinkish or white florets that are clustered together. These florets are surrounded by an array of long, narrow bracts that give the flowers a ruffled, tousled appearance, hence the name 'Shaggy'. These bracts are often tipped in green and stand out against the small true flowers, creating a contrasting and attractive visual effect that can resemble a pin cushion. The plant's foliage is deeply lobed, resembling a hand with fingers, and the leaves have serrated edges. These are typically a lush, deep green color providing a rich backdrop for the whimsical blooms. The overall impression of 'Shaggy' is of a cottage garden staple, with a subtly wild, untamed look that adds charm and texture to garden spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Apiaceae.
Synonyms
Great Masterwort, Hattie's Pincushion, Melancholy Gentleman, Shaggy Masterwort.
Common names
Astrantia major 'Margery Fish', Astrantia major var. involucrata 'Shaggy'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Great Masterwort is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant, so it's generally considered safe. However, it's always advisable to avoid eating any part of ornamental plants unless they are specifically noted as edible.
To pets
Great Masterwort is also not known to be toxic to pets. It's not listed as a poisonous plant for domestic animals like cats and dogs. Thus, if a pet were to ingest parts of this plant, it's unlikely to cause serious harm or poisoning. However, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets, and it's always best to prevent pets from chewing on any plants not meant for consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds texture and interest to garden beds with its distinctive, shaggy, pincushion-like flowers.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to pollinate garden plants.
- Long Blooming: Offers a long flowering period from early to late summer, providing prolonged color and interest.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Durable: Resistant to pests and diseases, ensuring a healthy and robust garden display.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of garden settings including borders, cottage gardens, and naturalistic plantings.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cut Flower: Makes an excellent cut flower with a long vase life, adding charm to indoor arrangements.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
- Deer Resistance: Less palatable to deer, which can help minimize damage in gardens prone to deer visitation.
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 'Shaggy' can be used as a natural dye for textiles, providing hues of muted greens and yellows depending on the mordant used.
- In floral photography, the intricate blossoms of Astrantia major 'Shaggy' are popular subjects due to their starry shapes and photogenic qualities.
- This plant is used in the art of pressed flowers due to its flat-faced blooms that retain their form and color well when dried.
- Astrantia leaves can be included in botanical prints, where they transfer their vein patterns and shapes onto paper or fabric using natural pigments.
- The dried seed heads of Astrantia major 'Shaggy' are used in potpourri mixes for their interesting texture and long-lasting form.
- In garden design, the plant works as a natural border edge, with its mounded habit and attractive foliage providing structure to flower beds.
- Astrantia major 'Shaggy' can be used in eco-friendly burial sites, where non-invasive and native species are chosen to blend with the natural environment.
- Biomimicry studies may look at the geometric pattern of Astrantia flowers for inspiration in design and architecture projects.
- Educational tools in botany courses, where the flower’s complex structure serves as an example of evolutionary plant adaptation in the Apiaceae family.
- Artisan crafts such as candle making may embed the decorative elements of Astrantia flowers for a natural botanical aesthetic.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Great Masterwort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Great Masterwort is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Grace and Elegance: Astrantia major subsp. involucrata 'Shaggy', commonly known as Great Masterwort, has intricate and delicate looking flowers that symbolize grace and elegance.
- Protection: The word "Astrantia" is said to be derived from the Latin "aster" meaning star, which also refers to the flower's star-shaped bracts that were once believed to ward off evil spirits, symbolizing protection.
- Strength in Adversity: With its ability to thrive in diverse conditions, Great Masterwort represents resilience and the ability to remain strong in adversity.
- Mystery and Intrigue: The complex structure and subtle coloring of its flowers give it an air of mystery and intrigue.
WaterGreat Masterwort prefers consistently moist soil, so it should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions, particularly during dry spells. Ensure you provide about 1 inch of water each time, which is equivalent to approximately 0.623 gallons per square foot every week. It's important not to let the soil dry out but also to avoid waterlogging, as this could lead to root rot.
LightGreat Masterwort thrives best in partial shade, where it can be protected from the harsh afternoon sun. Ideal placement would be in a spot that receives morning light and dappled shade throughout the rest of the day. However, it can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates, as long as it is kept adequately moist.
TemperatureGreat Masterwort is hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range; however, it prefers a temperate climate. It can survive temperatures down to about 14°F in winter and enjoys summers with temperatures that range between 70°F and 75°F. Avoid extreme heat or cold, as it can damage the plant.
PruningPrune Great Masterwort to maintain its shape and to remove spent flower stems, which encourages new blooms. Deadheading after the first flush of flowers can lead to a second blooming. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGreat Masterwort 'Shaggy' thrives in moist, well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. A mixture comprising equal parts garden soil, peat, and perlite or coarse sand forms an ideal base. It prefers a soil pH of 5.5 to 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingGreat Masterwort 'Shaggy' does not need frequent repotting and can be done every 2 to 3 years or when the plant outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingGreat Masterwort 'Shaggy' prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity conditions typically found in outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Great Masterwort 'Shaggy' (Astrantia major subsp. involucrata 'Shaggy') begins with seed germination, usually in spring with moisture and warm temperatures aiding the process. Once the seeds sprout, they develop into small seedlings with characteristic foliage. As the plant matures, it forms a clumping perennial habit with deeply lobed, palmate leaves. Throughout late spring to early summer, it produces distinctive, bristly flower heads surrounded by a ruff of greenish-white, papery bracts that give it the 'Shaggy' appearance. After blooming, the flowers develop into seed capsules containing numerous seeds that, when mature, can be dispersed to start new plants. The plant becomes dormant in winter, with the foliage dying back, to re-emerge the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagating Astrantia major subsp. involucrata 'Shaggy', commonly known as Great Masterwort 'Shaggy', is by division. This perennial plant is best divided in early spring or autumn. The gardener should carefully lift the clump from the ground and use a sharp knife or spade to divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system and several growth points. The divisions are then replanted at the same depth they were originally growing and watered well. This method of propagation allows for an easy and effective way to increase the number of plants in your garden while also rejuvenating older clumps that might have become woody or less vigorous with age.
