Astrantia major ‘Sparkling Stars Red’

Description

Astrantia major ‘Sparkling Stars Red’ is a clump-forming perennial with striking deep red flowers with dark tips that bloom throughout summer. Known for its impressive flower size, reaching up to 6cm, this versatile plant adds vibrant color to garden borders or woodland settings. Use this comprehensive guide to ensure your Astrantia major ‘Sparkling Stars Red’ thrives.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

The ideal time to plant Astrantia major ‘Sparkling Stars Red’ is in spring or early autumn. Planting during these seasons allows the roots to establish before the active growing period, ensuring robust growth and stunning blooms.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Astrantia major ‘Sparkling Stars Red’ flourishes in full sun to partial shade. Select a site that offers a balance of morning sunlight and afternoon shade to protect the plant from intense heat.
• Soil: This perennial prefers moist, well-drained soil. Incorporate organic matter like compost or leaf mold to improve soil quality and maintain adequate moisture levels.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Site: Loosen the soil and remove weeds. Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball.
2. Enhance Soil: Mix compost or other organic matter into the soil to enrich fertility and improve drainage.
3. Positioning: Place the root ball into the hole, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface. Backfill gently, pressing the soil to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help the plant settle and establish strong roots.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, but avoid waterlogged conditions. Astrantia major ‘Sparkling Stars Red’ thrives in moisture-retentive soil, so regular watering during dry periods is essential.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering in winter but ensure the soil doesn’t completely dry out.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote vigorous growth and large, vibrant flowers.
• Mid-Summer: Feed lightly during mid-summer to encourage extended blooming and maintain plant health.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering and maintain a neat appearance.
• Autumn Maintenance: Once the blooming period ends, cut back the foliage to ground level. This prepares the plant for dormancy and supports healthier growth in the next season.

Mulching

• Spring Mulch: Spread a 5-7cm layer of organic mulch, such as bark or compost, around the base of the plant in spring. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Winter Mulch: Apply additional mulch in late autumn to protect the roots from frost and temperature fluctuations.

Supporting your Astrantia

This plant has a compact and upright growth habit, so staking is rarely required. However, in windy areas or if planted in exposed locations, consider staking to prevent stem damage.

Final Tips

Astrantia major ‘Sparkling Stars Red’ is a hardy perennial that thrives in moist, fertile conditions. Its stunning, deep red flowers make it a showstopper in mixed borders, cottage gardens, or woodland-style planting schemes. By ensuring proper soil moisture, light, and regular care, your Astrantia major ‘Sparkling Stars Red’ will provide vibrant blooms throughout the summer months, enhancing your outdoor space year after year.

RHS Details

See other Astrantias from Proctors