A clump-forming perennial with deeply lobed mid-green leaves. Delicate, papery, white flowers flushed pink, on elegant wiry stems. Early flowering from April through to July. Height 60cm. Spread 45cm. Full sun/partial shade. Prefers moist soil. Hardy.
Astrantia major ‘April Love’ is a hardy, clump-forming perennial with deeply lobed mid-green foliage and delicate, papery white flowers beautifully flushed with pink. Flowering early from April through to July, its elegant wiry stems make it an excellent choice for borders, cottage gardens and naturalistic planting.
PLANTING AND AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: Plant Astrantia major ‘April Love’ in spring when the soil is workable and beginning to warm. This allows the roots to establish while supporting its naturally early growing and flowering season.
Early Autumn: Alternatively, planting in early autumn allows the root system to establish while the soil retains warmth, helping produce strong growth the following spring.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Astrantia major ‘April Love’ grows well in full sun or partial shade. In warmer or particularly dry positions, some afternoon shade can help maintain moisture levels and protect the foliage.
Soil: Choose fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Incorporating compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting will improve soil structure and help maintain consistent moisture.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole approximately twice the width and the same depth as the root ball, providing plenty of room for the roots to spread.
Soil Preparation: Mix compost or well-rotted organic matter into the excavated soil to improve fertility, structure and moisture retention.
Planting: Position Astrantia major ‘April Love’ with the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil. Backfill carefully and gently firm the soil around the roots.
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil, remove air pockets and encourage strong root establishment.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Keep the soil consistently moist during active growth, particularly during prolonged dry periods. Newly planted specimens require regular watering while their roots become established.
Dormant Season: Astrantia major ‘April Love’ requires less watering once growth has died back, although the soil should not be allowed to remain excessively dry for extended periods.
Feeding
Spring: Apply a balanced general-purpose fertiliser as new growth emerges to encourage healthy foliage and plentiful flowers.
Mid-Season: A light supplementary feed after the first flush of flowers can help maintain vigour, particularly when growing in poorer soils or containers.
Pruning
Deadheading: Remove faded flowers from Astrantia major ‘April Love’ regularly to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage the development of further blooms.
Seasonal Care: Cut back tired flower stems and declining foliage when necessary. Old growth can be removed completely once it has naturally died back.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a generous layer of organic mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds and gradually improve soil fertility.
Later in the Year: Replenish the mulch when required, keeping it slightly away from the crown to avoid excessive moisture accumulating directly against the plant.
Supporting the Plant
Natural Habit: Astrantia major ‘April Love’ reaches approximately 60cm tall and develops elegant but sturdy wiry stems, so staking is rarely necessary. Discreet support may be beneficial in particularly exposed positions.
Final Tips
Astrantia major ‘April Love’ performs best when its roots remain consistently moist without becoming waterlogged. Annual mulching, regular watering during dry periods and removing faded flowers will help Astrantia major ‘April Love’ produce healthy foliage and an attractive display of white and pink-flushed flowers from spring into summer.
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