Astrantia ‘White Angel’
£5.95
A clump-forming perennial with lobed green leaves. Pretty white pincushion flowers surrounded by green-tipped white bracts, on elegant wiry stems from June to September. Height and Spread 45cm. Full sun/partial shade. Prefers moist soil. Hardy.
Description
Astrantia ‘White Angel’ is a stunning perennial that produces delicate white pincushion flowers surrounded by green-tipped bracts, creating an elegant display in your garden. Known for its clump-forming habit and attractive lobed green leaves, it thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. This guide will help you plant and care for Astrantia ‘White Angel’, ensuring it flourishes throughout the growing season.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
- Spring: The best time to plant Astrantia ‘White Angel’ is in early spring, as the soil begins to warm. Planting in spring allows the roots to become established before the blooming season, ensuring a strong, healthy plant with plenty of flowers.
- Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant your Astrantia ‘White Angel’ in early autumn. Planting at this time lets the roots settle in before the colder months, allowing for more vigorous growth when the weather warms up in spring.
Site Selection
- Sunlight: Astrantia ‘White Angel’ thrives in full sun or partial shade. It does best in areas that receive a few hours of sunlight each day, especially during the cooler parts of the day. Ensure the plant receives some shade during the hottest part of the afternoon to prevent scorching.
- Soil: Astrantia prefers moist, well-drained soil that retains enough moisture for the plant’s roots to stay hydrated. It will not tolerate waterlogged soil, so good drainage is essential. Enhance the soil with compost or other organic matter to promote good drainage and fertility.
Planting Instructions
- Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is at least twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of your Astrantia ‘White Angel’. This gives the plant plenty of space to spread its roots and establish itself.
- Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to improve drainage and fertility. This will help provide the necessary nutrients for your Astrantia to thrive.
- Planting: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole gently with soil, firming it around the roots to remove any air pockets.
- Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots. Make sure the area drains well, as standing water can lead to root rot.
Watering Requirements
- Growing Season: Once established, Astrantia ‘White Angel’ is relatively drought-tolerant. However, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging the soil, as this can damage the roots.
- Dormant Season: In the dormant period, reduce watering significantly. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Astrantia requires minimal moisture during this time.
Feeding
- Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give Astrantia ‘White Angel’ a strong start to the growing season. This will support healthy growth and abundant flowering.
- Mid-Summer: A light feed in mid-summer can help your Astrantia continue to produce flowers throughout the season. Be sure to use a fertiliser suited to perennials and avoid overfeeding.
Pruning
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming and keep the plant tidy. This will also help extend the flowering season of your Astrantia.
- Autumn Pruning: After the flowering season, cut the plant back to the ground to prepare it for winter dormancy. This encourages fresh growth in the spring and ensures the plant remains healthy.
Mulching
- Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around your Astrantia ‘White Angel’ in the spring. This helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and maintains an even soil temperature. Organic mulches like bark chips or compost work best.
- Winter: In winter, mulching around the base of the plant can protect the roots from frost and prevent damage. This helps the plant survive the colder months and ensures it returns healthy in the spring.
Supporting the Plant
- Staking: Astrantia ‘White Angel’ has relatively sturdy stems but may require light staking if grown in particularly windy areas. Staking can help keep the flowers upright and prevent breakage during storms or heavy rainfall.
Final Tips
Astrantia ‘White Angel’ is a low-maintenance yet stunning perennial that will brighten up your garden with its graceful white pincushion flowers and elegant green-tipped bracts. By following this care guide, you can ensure your Astrantia flourishes in your garden year after year. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil with partial shade, making it perfect for adding beauty to borders, woodland gardens, or container plantings. With proper care, Astrantia ‘White Angel’ will reward you with beautiful blooms from June to September, enhancing your garden’s charm throughout the growing season.
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