Astrantia major ‘Star of Treasure’

Description

Astrantia major ‘Star of Treasure’ is a stunning, clump-forming perennial known for its striking clusters of white flowers with pale pink tips, surrounded by dark purple stems. This hardy plant offers long-lasting blooms throughout the summer, adding beauty and structure to any garden. Follow this comprehensive planting and care guide to ensure your Astrantia major ‘Star of Treasure’ thrives and flourishes in your garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Astrantia major ‘Star of Treasure’ is in spring, once the soil begins to warm. This allows the plant’s roots to establish before the blooming season, ensuring strong growth and vibrant flowers.
• Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant in early autumn. This gives Astrantia major ‘Star of Treasure’ time to settle in before the colder months, leading to better growth when the next growing season begins.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Astrantia major ‘Star of Treasure’ thrives in full sun or partial shade. Select a location that gets at least a few hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal flowering. If your garden gets very hot, partial shade in the afternoon can help protect the plant from the harshest sun.
• Soil: This perennial prefers moist, well-drained soil. Make sure the soil retains moisture without becoming waterlogged, as poor drainage can lead to root rot. To improve soil quality, mix in compost or other organic matter for added fertility and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole about twice the width and depth of the root ball of your Astrantia major ‘Star of Treasure’. This gives the roots plenty of space to grow and spread comfortably.
2. Soil Preparation: Incorporate organic matter like compost into the soil to boost fertility and drainage. Well-prepared soil will encourage healthy growth and more abundant blooms.
3. Planting: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill in the hole with soil, gently firming it down to eliminate any air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and establish the roots. Make sure the area drains well to avoid standing water around the plant.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Astrantia major ‘Star of Treasure’ is moderately drought-tolerant. During dry spells, water the plant thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Be cautious not to overwater, as this can result in root rot.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering during the dormant winter period. Water only when the soil is excessively dry, as Astrantia major ‘Star of Treasure’ does not require much moisture during this time.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to help Astrantia major ‘Star of Treasure’ establish strong growth for the season ahead. This ensures your plant has the nutrients it needs for healthy blooms.
• Mid-Summer: A light application of fertiliser in mid-summer can support continued flowering and help maintain the plant’s vigour throughout the growing season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms and keep the plant looking tidy. Deadheading will help prolong the flowering period and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
• Autumn Pruning: After the blooming season ends, cut back the plant to ground level. This helps prepare Astrantia major ‘Star of Treasure’ for the dormant season and encourages healthier growth in the following year.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of Astrantia major ‘Star of Treasure’ in spring. This will help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches, such as bark chips or compost, are ideal.
• Winter: In colder months, apply mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots from freezing temperatures. Mulch helps prevent frost heaving and ensures your Astrantia major ‘Star of Treasure’ survives the winter.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Astrantia major ‘Star of Treasure’ typically has sturdy stems, so staking is usually not necessary. However, if the plant grows tall or if you experience heavy winds, staking may help provide extra support and prevent damage to the plant.

Final Tips

Astrantia major ‘Star of Treasure’ is a low-maintenance yet spectacular perennial that will bring beauty and elegance to your garden year after year. By planting it in well-drained, moist soil and providing it with the right care, you can enjoy its long-lasting blooms throughout the summer. Incorporate Astrantia major ‘Star of Treasure’ into your garden for a stunning display of delicate white and pink flowers that will brighten your outdoor space all season long!

RHS Details

See more Astrantias from Proctors