Astrantia major ‘Venice’

Description

Astrantia major ‘Venice’ is a striking perennial known for its deep ruby-red pincushion flowers that bloom from late spring to summer. With proper care, this plant will thrive in your garden and reward you with long-lasting blooms year after year. Here’s a comprehensive guide to planting and caring for Astrantia major ‘Venice’ in your garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Astrantia major ‘Venice’ is in the spring when the soil has warmed. This allows the roots to establish before the blooming season, resulting in strong, healthy plants that will thrive throughout the summer.
• Autumn: You can also plant Astrantia major ‘Venice’ in early autumn. This gives the plant time to settle in before dormancy and ensures better growth in the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Astrantia major ‘Venice’ prefers a location with full sun or partial shade. Choose a spot that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight each day to encourage strong growth and abundant flowering.
• Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained yet moist for Astrantia major ‘Venice’. While the plant can tolerate a variety of soil types, it thrives in rich, moist, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. You may improve soil fertility by adding organic matter like compost.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: When planting Astrantia major ‘Venice’, dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball. This allows the roots to spread and establish themselves easily.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil before planting. This will improve soil fertility, drainage, and moisture retention, which is beneficial for Astrantia major ‘Venice’.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it to remove any air pockets around the roots.
4. Watering After Planting: Water well after planting Astrantia major ‘Venice’ to help settle the soil and establish the roots. Make sure the area drains well to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Astrantia major ‘Venice’ prefers moist soil. Water during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Avoid waterlogged soil as it can lead to root rot.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering during the dormant season. Water only if the soil becomes excessively dry, as the plant does not require much moisture during this time.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to encourage healthy growth for Astrantia major ‘Venice’. This will promote strong foliage and vibrant flowers throughout the growing season.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can help maintain flowering vigour. However, be cautious not to over-fertilise, as Astrantia major ‘Venice’ prefers slightly leaner soil for best results.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers from Astrantia major ‘Venice’ to encourage new blooms and maintain the plant’s tidy appearance. This practice helps to extend the flowering season.
• Autumn Pruning: After the last flowers have faded in autumn, cut back the plant to ground level. This prepares Astrantia major ‘Venice’ for winter dormancy and promotes healthy growth the following year.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Astrantia major ‘Venice’ to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Organic materials like bark chips or compost work well for this purpose.
• Winter: In winter, a layer of mulch will protect the roots from frost damage and prevent soil erosion during wet conditions.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Although Astrantia major ‘Venice’ is a sturdy plant, consider staking it in windy areas or if you notice the stems leaning. Light staking will prevent the plant from falling over while maintaining its natural beauty.

Final Tips

Astrantia major ‘Venice’ is a low-maintenance perennial that adds a stunning burst of colour to your garden. By planting in the right location, providing consistent moisture, and following the care tips outlined above, your Astrantia major ‘Venice’ will thrive and reward you with beautiful ruby-red flowers throughout the summer. Incorporate this versatile plant into your garden for a long-lasting and elegant floral display.

RHS Details

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