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Astrantia major ‘Florence’

£6.45

(45 customer reviews)

A clump-forming perennial with lobed green leaves. Delicate, soft lavender-pink, pincushion flowers on elegant wiry stems from June to September. Height 60cm. Spread 45cm. Full sun/partial shade. Prefers moist soil. Hardy.

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Description

Astrantia major ‘Florence’ is a stunning perennial that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Known for its delicate, soft lavender-pink pincushion flowers and attractive lobed green leaves, this plant is perfect for borders, containers, and shaded areas. With its long flowering period, from June to September, and its elegant wiry stems, Astrantia major ‘Florence’ brings beauty and texture to your garden. Follow this comprehensive planting guide to ensure your Astrantia major ‘Florence’ flourishes.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
  • Spring: The best time to plant Astrantia major ‘Florence’ is in spring, when the soil begins to warm. This gives the plant enough time to establish strong roots before the growing season begins, ensuring it will bloom abundantly throughout the summer.
  • Autumn: You can also plant Astrantia major ‘Florence’ in early autumn, allowing the plant to settle in before the cold weather. This will prepare it for better growth when the warmer months return.
Site Selection
  • Sunlight: Astrantia major ‘Florence’ thrives in partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler areas. Choose a location that receives dappled sunlight or morning sun for optimal growth and flowering. Too much direct sunlight in hot conditions may cause the plant to suffer.
  • Soil: This perennial prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Incorporating organic matter like compost into the soil improves fertility and drainage, creating an ideal environment for your Astrantia major ‘Florence’. Avoid waterlogged areas, as standing water can lead to root rot.
Planting Instructions
  1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of your Astrantia major ‘Florence’. This provides ample space for the roots to spread and grow.
  2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil before planting. This helps improve drainage, adds nutrients, and encourages healthy root development.
  3. Planting: Place the root ball of Astrantia major ‘Florence’ in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill in the hole gently with soil and firm it down to remove air pockets.
  4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Make sure the soil remains moist, but avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can lead to root rot.
Watering Requirements
  • Growing Season: Once established, Astrantia major ‘Florence’ prefers consistently moist soil. Water regularly during dry spells, ensuring the soil stays evenly moist. During hot weather, check soil moisture more frequently to keep it from drying out.
  • Dormant Season: In the dormant period, reduce watering significantly. Only water if the soil becomes extremely dry, as the plant requires less moisture during this time.
Feeding
  • Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to promote healthy growth and strong blooms. A slow-release fertiliser will provide nutrients throughout the growing season.
  • Mid-Summer: A light feed in mid-summer can help to sustain the blooming period of your Astrantia major ‘Florence’. Be careful not to over-fertilise, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
  • Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to extend the blooming period of Astrantia major ‘Florence’. Deadheading also helps the plant maintain a tidy appearance and encourages further flowering.
  • Autumn Pruning: Once the flowers have faded and the plant starts to die back in autumn, cut back the stems to ground level. This will help the plant prepare for dormancy and promote new growth in the following year.
Mulching
  • Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Astrantia major ‘Florence’ in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Use organic mulch, such as compost or bark chips, for the best results.
  • Winter: In colder regions, mulch around the plant in winter to protect the roots from frost. This helps prevent frost heaving and keeps the plant safe through the colder months.
Supporting the Plant
  • Staking: While Astrantia major ‘Florence’ typically has strong stems, it may benefit from staking in windy or exposed locations. Use lightweight stakes to support the wiry stems and prevent the plant from toppling over.
Final Tips

Astrantia major ‘Florence’ is a low-maintenance perennial that will reward you with long-lasting, beautiful flowers throughout the summer. By planting it in a partially shaded location with moist, well-drained soil, and by following the recommended care instructions, you can enjoy its delicate lavender-pink blooms year after year. Regular deadheading, moderate watering, and occasional feeding will ensure that your Astrantia major ‘Florence’ remains healthy and vibrant.

Whether you’re looking to add a splash of colour to your garden borders or need an elegant plant for containers, Astrantia major ‘Florence’ is a versatile and striking choice that will enhance any garden setting.

 

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