Astrantia major ‘Star of Passion’

Description

Astrantia major ‘Star of Passion’ is a stunning perennial known for its dusky pink pincushion flowers, which emerge from deep burgundy buds. With its elegant, maple-shaped leaves and long-lasting blooms, it is perfect for adding structure and colour to your garden. Whether planted in borders, woodland gardens, or containers, this hardy perennial will thrive with the right care. Follow this guide to help your Astrantia major ‘Star of Passion’ flourish.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Astrantia major ‘Star of Passion’ is in spring when the soil is warming up. This ensures the roots have time to establish before the blooming season, helping the plant grow vigorously.
• Autumn: Alternatively, early autumn planting allows the plant to settle in before dormancy. This gives the plant a strong start for the following spring’s growing season.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Astrantia major ‘Star of Passion’ thrives in full sun or partial shade. Ideally, choose a location that receives at least a few hours of direct sunlight each day, particularly in the morning. Afternoon shade is beneficial in warmer conditions, helping to preserve the plant’s delicate flowers.
• Soil: This perennial prefers moist, well-drained soil. Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter like compost to improve fertility and drainage. Ensure the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can harm the roots of Astrantia major ‘Star of Passion’.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is approximately twice the width and the same depth as the root ball. This will provide ample room for the roots of Astrantia major ‘Star of Passion’ to spread and grow.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix organic matter or compost into the soil to ensure it is fertile and drains well. Healthy, well-drained soil encourages the best growth and flower production.
3. Planting: Place the root ball into the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water the plant thoroughly after planting. This helps to settle the soil around the roots and encourages them to establish. Be sure to check that the area drains well to avoid waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Astrantia major ‘Star of Passion’ is moderately drought-tolerant. Water the plant during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering during the dormant period in winter. Water only if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Astrantia major ‘Star of Passion’ requires minimal moisture while dormant.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support new growth. This will give your Astrantia major ‘Star of Passion’ a healthy start, promoting strong stems and vibrant flowers.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can encourage continuous flowering and keep the plant looking healthy throughout the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can affect the quality of the blooms.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms and keep the plant looking neat. Removing faded flowers will help prolong the flowering period of Astrantia major ‘Star of Passion’.
• Autumn Pruning: Once the flowering season is over, cut back the plant to ground level. This prepares it for winter dormancy and helps maintain the health of the plant for the following growing season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of Astrantia major ‘Star of Passion’ in early spring. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, which benefits the plant during the growing season.
• Winter: In colder months, adding mulch around the plant provides additional protection for the roots from freezing temperatures. This helps ensure that the plant survives the winter and re-emerges in spring with new growth.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Astrantia major ‘Star of Passion’ typically has sturdy stems, so staking is rarely needed. However, if the plant grows taller or if you live in a particularly windy area, staking may help support the plant and prevent any damage from strong winds.

Final Tips

Astrantia major ‘Star of Passion’ is a beautiful, low-maintenance perennial that rewards gardeners with long-lasting, dusky pink flowers throughout the summer. By planting it in well-drained, moist soil with partial shade or full sun and following the simple care steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your Astrantia major ‘Star of Passion’ thrives. Add this stunning plant to your garden to enjoy its elegant blooms all season long!

 

RHS Details

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