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Why we like this plant
Astrantia major 'Claret' is an excellent choice for adding rich, jewel-toned colour to garden borders. Its long-lasting blooms, elegant form, and ability to thrive in shady areas make it a valuable plant for cottage gardens, woodland settings, and mixed perennial beds. Highly attractive to pollinators and suitable for cut flowers, it is a must-have for any wildlife-friendly or naturalistic planting scheme.
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About this plant
Astrantia major 'Claret' is a bold and beautiful masterwort variety, renowned for its intense deep red flowers and dark, almost purple-tinted stems. The intricate, star-like blooms appear from early summer through to autumn, creating a long-lasting display that complements both traditional and modern planting schemes. Its finely divided, deep green foliage forms a neat, clump-forming base, making it an excellent filler for mixed borders, cottage gardens, and woodland settings. Loved by pollinators, this hardy and versatile perennial thrives in moisture-retentive soils and partial shade, making it a valuable addition to shaded garden areas.
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Key features
- Rich, deep red pincushion flowers with dark burgundy bracts
- Long flowering period from early summer to autumn
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
- Thrives in partial shade and moisture-retentive soil
- Perfect for borders, woodland gardens, and cut flower arrangements
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Height and
spread -
Growth
habitClump-forming, upright
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Moisture
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates occasional dry spells
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Position in
the GardenBorders, cottage gardens, woodland planting, wildlife gardens
Planting guide
- Plant in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil
- Position in partial shade for best results
- Space plants 30–45cm apart to allow for spreading
Care tips
- Plant in moist, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
- Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming
- Cut back in autumn or early spring for fresh growth
- Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigour
- Mulch in spring to retain moisture and enrich the soil
Winter care
- Leave seed heads for winter interest and wildlife
- Apply mulch in colder regions to protect roots
- Cut back dead foliage in early spring to encourage new shoots