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Key characteristics

Family: Apiaceae
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Width: 1.5 to 2 feet
Flower color: Greenish-white to pinkish, with papery bracts
Foliage color: Deep green, deeply lobed leaves
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low; deadhead to prolong bloom and prevent self-seeding
Growing zone: USDA zones 4–7
Wildlife: Bees and other pollinators

Perennials

Astrantia major

Greater Masterwort

Astrantia major, commonly known as great masterwort, produces clusters of starry, pincushion-like flowers surrounded by a collar of petal-like bracts. Blooming from late spring through early summer, its blossoms range in color from soft white to pale pink, often with subtle green tinges. These intricate flowers are complemented by deeply lobed, mid-green foliage that provides an elegant backdrop.

Native to Europe, Astrantia major thrives in meadows, woodland edges, and mountain regions, where it has been admired for centuries.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Medium

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Hostas · Bleeding hearts · Solomon's seal · Ferns · Lungworts · Wild ginger

Design tip

Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Cooler light suits it, so tuck it on the north side of a shrub or wall where the soil stays even.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)