Astrantia major ‘Star of Love’

Description

Astrantia major ‘Star of Love’ is a beautiful, clump-forming perennial that adds a splash of colour to any garden. With its elegant clusters of burgundy-red flowers and white centres, it’s perfect for creating eye-catching borders, woodland gardens, or even in containers. Follow this detailed planting and care guide to ensure your Astrantia major ‘Star of Love’ thrives and flourishes throughout the growing season.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The optimal time to plant Astrantia major ‘Star of Love’ is during spring when the soil begins to warm up. This allows the roots to establish properly before the blooming season, ensuring a robust plant that will bloom beautifully.
• Autumn: Alternatively, planting in early autumn is also a great option. The plant will have time to settle into its new home before dormancy and will grow vigorously in the spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Astrantia major ‘Star of Love’ thrives in partial shade but can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept moist. Choose a site that receives some shade during the afternoon heat, especially in warmer conditions, to keep the plant healthy and promote lasting blooms.
• Soil: This perennial prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to ensure good fertility and drainage. Astrantia major ‘Star of Love’ does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is essential.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is about twice the width and depth of the root ball. This allows the roots of your Astrantia major ‘Star of Love’ to spread out and establish more easily.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix organic matter or compost into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. This is especially important for ensuring the plant thrives in the long term.
3. Planting: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the base to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water your Astrantia major ‘Star of Love’ well after planting. This helps settle the soil and encourages the roots to take hold. Ensure the area has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Astrantia major ‘Star of Love’ requires moderate watering. Keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering. The plant thrives in slightly moist soil, but standing water can cause issues.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant months, reduce watering significantly. Only water when the soil becomes excessively dry, as Astrantia major ‘Star of Love’ requires little moisture during this time.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to give Astrantia major ‘Star of Love’ a healthy start. This encourages strong root development and vibrant growth as the plant begins its growing season.
• Mid-Summer: A light application of fertiliser in mid-summer can encourage continued flowering and maintain the vigour of the plant throughout the growing season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regular deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, is essential for prolonging the blooming period and maintaining a tidy appearance. This practice also encourages the plant to produce more blooms.
• Autumn Pruning: After the flowering season has ended, trim the plant back to ground level. This prepares it for winter dormancy and ensures that the plant will have a strong and healthy start when the next growing season begins.

Mulching

• Spring: In early spring, apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Astrantia major ‘Star of Love’. This helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps the soil temperature stable. Organic mulches, such as bark chips or compost, work best.
• Winter: In colder months, adding a layer of mulch around the plant will help protect the roots from freezing temperatures, ensuring the plant survives winter and emerges strong in spring.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Astrantia major ‘Star of Love’ has sturdy stems and typically doesn’t require staking. However, if planted in an area that experiences strong winds or if it grows taller than expected, staking can provide additional support to prevent the plant from flopping.

Final Tips

Astrantia major ‘Star of Love’ is a versatile, low-maintenance perennial that adds charm and elegance to your garden with its striking burgundy flowers and delicate white centres. By planting it in a location with partial shade, providing moist, well-drained soil, and following the recommended care routine, you can ensure a healthy, thriving plant. With minimal effort, Astrantia major ‘Star of Love’ will reward you with long-lasting blooms throughout the summer, making it a perfect addition to any garden.

 

RHS Details

See more Astrantias from Proctors