Astrantia major ‘Moulin Rouge’

Description

Astrantia major ‘Moulin Rouge’ is a stunning clump-forming perennial that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Known for its vibrant red pincushion-like flowers and attractive dark green, deeply lobed leaves, this plant is sure to become a garden favourite. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Astrantia thrives and continues to beautifully bloom year after year.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

Spring: The best time to plant Astrantia major ‘Moulin Rouge’ is in the spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows the roots to establish firmly before the blooming season, ensuring a healthy and robust plant ready for vibrant summer flowers.

Autumn: Alternatively, planting in early autumn is also a good option. It gives your Astrantia enough time to settle in before the cooler months, setting the stage for vigorous growth in the spring.

Site Selection

Sunlight: Astrantia thrives in full sun or partial shade. While it can handle some direct sunlight, it performs best in areas with dappled or morning sunlight. Choose a spot that receives at least 4-6 hours of light each day for optimal growth and flower production.

Soil: Well-drained, moist soil is key to the health of your Astrantia major ‘Moulin Rouge’. It prefers slightly moist soil that does not stay waterlogged, as standing water can lead to root rot. Improve drainage by incorporating compost or organic matter into the soil.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant. This will allow enough space for the roots to spread out comfortably.
2. Soil Preparation: Enhance the soil by mixing in compost or other organic material. This improves fertility, moisture retention, and drainage, creating an ideal environment for your plant to thrive.
3. Planting: Place your Astrantia, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole gently, firming the soil to eliminate air pockets and encourage stable root growth.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots and help the plant establish. Make sure the area drains well to prevent waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

Growing Season: Once established, Astrantia major ‘Moulin Rouge’ has moderate drought tolerance. Water during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root problems.

Dormant Season: Reduce watering during the dormant months. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Astrantia does not need much moisture during its dormant period.

Feeding

Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give your Astrantia major ‘Moulin Rouge’ a good start to the growing season. This will support healthy new growth and promote vibrant flowers throughout the summer.

Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can help encourage continued flowering and maintain plant vigour. Avoid fertilising, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning

Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to extend the blooming period and keep your Astrantia looking tidy. Deadheading will also encourage the plant to produce new flowers.

Autumn Pruning: After the blooming season, cut back the plant to ground level. This will prepare your Astrantia major ‘Moulin Rouge’ for the winter and encourage fresh growth in the following year.

Mulching

Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Astrantia major ‘Moulin Rouge’ in spring to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Winter: In colder climates, mulching around the plant during winter helps protect the roots from freezing temperatures and prevents frost heaving. Use organic mulch like bark or leaf mould for the best results.

Supporting the Plant

While Astrantia major ‘Moulin Rouge’ is typically a strong and sturdy plant, some taller varieties may need light support. If necessary, use plant supports or stakes to help keep the stems upright, especially in windy conditions.

Final Tips

Astrantia major ‘Moulin Rouge’ is a low-maintenance and beautiful perennial that can thrive in a variety of garden settings. By following this planting and care guide, your Astrantia will reward you with stunning red pincushion flowers throughout the summer. Regular deadheading, proper watering, and soil care will help ensure that your plant remains healthy and blooms profusely year after year.