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Astrantia major ‘Ruby Wedding’

£7.45

(43 customer reviews)

Clump-forming perennial with lobed green leaves. Long lasting, pincushion, dark crimson flowers throughout summer. Height 60cm. Spread 45cm. Full sun/partial shade. Hardy.

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Availability: 36 in stock
SKU: N/A Availability: 36 in stock

Description

Astrantia major ‘Ruby Wedding’ is a hardy perennial celebrated for its long-lasting, dark crimson pincushion flowers that bloom throughout summer. This clump-forming plant is an excellent choice for adding depth and colour to borders, cottage gardens, or pollinator-friendly spaces. Follow this guide to ensure Astrantia major ‘Ruby Wedding’ thrives in your garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
  • Spring: The best time to plant Astrantia major ‘Ruby Wedding’ is in spring, as the warming soil allows the roots to establish before the growing season.
  • Autumn: Planting in early autumn is another option, giving your Astrantia time to settle before entering dormancy. This ensures vigorous growth in the following spring.
Site Selection
  • Sunlight: Astrantia major ‘Ruby Wedding’ flourishes in full sun to partial shade. A partially shaded spot is ideal, especially during the hottest hours, to protect the plant and encourage vibrant blooms.
  • Soil: Astrantia major ‘Ruby Wedding’ prefers fertile, moist, and well-drained soil. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or leaf mould to enrich the soil and retain moisture.
Planting Instructions
  1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. This provides ample space for your Astrantia to spread its roots.
  2. Amend the Soil: Mix in compost or other organic material to improve soil fertility and drainage, ensuring optimal conditions for growth.
  3. Planting: Position the plant in the hole so that the crown sits at soil level. Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil around the plant to eliminate air pockets.
  4. Watering: After planting, water thoroughly to help the soil settle and support root development.
Watering Requirements
  • Active Growth Period: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. Astrantia benefits from regular watering, particularly during dry spells.
  • Dormant Season: Reduce watering in late autumn and winter when the plant is dormant. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely but ensure it remains well-drained.
Feeding
  • Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to give Astrantia major ‘Ruby Wedding’ a strong start to the growing season.
  • Mid-Summer: A light feed in mid-summer helps to sustain flowering and keep the plant healthy.
Pruning and Deadheading
  • Deadheading: Remove spent flowers throughout the blooming season to encourage your Astrantia to produce new blooms and to keep the plant looking tidy.
  • Autumn Pruning: Cut back the foliage to ground level in late autumn after the flowering period ends. This prepares the plant for dormancy and encourages robust regrowth in spring.
Mulching
  • Spring: Add a 5–7 cm layer of mulch around your Astrantia in spring. Use organic materials such as compost or bark chips to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature.
  • Winter: A winter mulch helps protect the plant’s roots from frost and ensures its survival during colder months.
Supporting the Plant
  • Staking: Although Astrantia major ‘Ruby Wedding’ typically has strong stems, staking may be necessary in exposed areas or during windy conditions to prevent damage.
Final Tips

Astrantia major ‘Ruby Wedding’ is a low-maintenance perennial that thrives in moist, fertile soil and partial shade. Deadheading spent flowers and applying mulch during spring and winter will ensure the plant’s long-term health and beauty. Incorporating Astrantia into your garden will provide striking, dark crimson blooms that attract pollinators and enhance your outdoor space throughout the summer months.

RHS Details

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