Astrantia ‘Ruby Flame’

Description

Astrantia ‘Ruby Flame’ is a striking perennial known for its dark crimson, pincushion flowers that bloom throughout the summer. This hardy, clump-forming plant with lobed green leaves thrives when properly cared for. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Astrantia ‘Ruby Flame’ flourishes year after year.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Astrantia ‘Ruby Flame’ is in spring when the soil starts to warm up. Planting at this time allows the roots to establish before the blooming season, leading to a healthy and vibrant plant.
• Autumn: Alternatively, early autumn is another ideal planting time. This allows the plant to settle in before the dormant period, ensuring strong growth when spring arrives.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Astrantia ‘Ruby Flame’ thrives in both full sun and partial shade. It is important to choose a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight a day. Full sun helps produce the most flowers, but partial shade will keep the plant healthy during the hottest periods.
• Soil: Well-drained, moist soil is essential for Astrantia ‘Ruby Flame’. This plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. Enriching the soil with compost can improve both fertility and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is about twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. This ensures that the roots have plenty of space to spread out and grow.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix organic compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting. This will help to enrich the soil, promoting healthy root development and vigorous growth for your Astrantia ‘Ruby Flame’.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface. Backfill with soil, gently firming it down to remove any air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Make sure the soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Astrantia ‘Ruby Flame’ is moderately drought-tolerant. Water during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root issues, so avoid keeping the soil too wet.
• Dormant Season: During winter or the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Water only if the soil becomes overly dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and vibrant flowers. This gives Astrantia ‘Ruby Flame’ the nutrients it needs to start the growing season strong.
• Mid-Summer: A light feed during the summer can help encourage continued flowering and promote robust growth throughout the season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers from Astrantia ‘Ruby Flame’ to prolong the blooming period. This helps to maintain a tidy appearance and encourages the plant to produce more flowers.
• Autumn Pruning: Once the blooms have faded and the plant begins to go dormant, cut back the plant to the ground. This will help prepare it for the cold months and encourage fresh growth the following season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulching will help keep the roots cool during hot spells.
• Winter: In colder months, adding a layer of mulch helps protect the roots from freezing temperatures and prevents frost heaving. This ensures that the plant survives the winter and is ready to grow in spring.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Astrantia ‘Ruby Flame’ is a relatively sturdy plant, but in areas with heavy wind or heavy blooms, you may want to stake the plant to prevent damage. Staking also helps to keep the flowers upright and supported during their blooming period.

Final Tips

Astrantia ‘Ruby Flame’ is a low-maintenance, hardy perennial that adds bold color and texture to your garden. By planting it in full sun or partial shade with well-drained, moist soil, and by following the care instructions above, you will enjoy its stunning dark crimson flowers throughout the summer. This easy-to-grow perennial is a fantastic addition to any garden, providing long-lasting beauty season after season.

RHS Details

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