Astrantia ‘Superstar’

Description

Astrantia ‘Superstar’ is a striking perennial known for its large, white and green pincushion flowers on wiry stems, making it a beautiful addition to any garden. This clump-forming plant grows to a height of 75cm and spreads to 60cm, thriving in full sun or partial shade. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Astrantia ‘Superstar’ flourishes beautifully each season.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Astrantia ‘Superstar’ is in early spring, when the soil is warming up. Planting in this season allows the roots to become established before the blooming season begins, promoting healthy growth and abundant flowers.
• Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant Astrantia ‘Superstar’ in early autumn. This gives the plant time to settle in and develop its root system before the colder months, ensuring a strong start for the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Astrantia ‘Superstar’ thrives in partial shade to full sun. It is ideal for locations that receive some shade during the hottest parts of the day, but it can also tolerate a few hours of full sun. Choose a spot that gets at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth and vibrant flowers.
• Soil: This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil. To encourage healthy root development, ensure the soil does not become waterlogged, as standing water can lead to root rot. Improving the soil with organic matter like compost will enhance fertility and drainage, supporting the growth of your Astrantia ‘Superstar’.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of your Astrantia ‘Superstar’. This will give the roots room to spread and establish themselves.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or well-rotted organic matter into the soil to improve its structure and drainage. Astrantia ‘Superstar’ thrives in rich, slightly moist soil.
3. Planting: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the top is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole, firming the soil to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
4. Watering After Planting: After planting, water your Astrantia ‘Superstar’ thoroughly to help establish the roots and settle the soil. Ensure the area has good drainage to avoid waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Astrantia ‘Superstar’ is moderately drought-tolerant. During dry spells, water deeply, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can cause root rot.
• Dormant Season: In the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Only water the plant if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Astrantia ‘Superstar’ requires minimal moisture during this period.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to provide essential nutrients and encourage strong growth and vibrant flowers. This will support your Astrantia ‘Superstar’ through the growing season.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can help maintain vigour and promote ongoing blooming. Ensure the fertiliser is not too strong, as this could result in excessive foliage growth rather than flowers.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and keep your Astrantia ‘Superstar’ looking tidy. This will also help extend the flowering period.
• Autumn Pruning: After the blooming season has ended, cut the plant back to ground level to prepare it for dormancy. This encourages fresh growth in the spring and helps the plant stay healthy over the winter.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of Astrantia ‘Superstar’ in spring. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like bark chips or compost are ideal.
• Winter: In colder months, mulching around the plant can help protect the roots from frost damage. This ensures your Astrantia ‘Superstar’ survives winter and comes back strong in the spring.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Although Astrantia ‘Superstar’ generally has strong stems, in windy areas, it may benefit from light staking to prevent damage. This is particularly important when the plant is in full bloom to keep the flowers upright.

Final Tips

Astrantia ‘Superstar’ is a beautiful and low-maintenance perennial that can bring elegance and texture to your garden. By planting it in well-drained, fertile soil and following the recommended care guidelines, your Astrantia ‘Superstar’ will produce stunning white and green pincushion flowers from June to September. Whether planted in borders, containers, or as part of a cut-flower garden, this versatile plant will continue to delight year after year. With proper care, Astrantia ‘Superstar’ will be a standout in your garden, providing graceful blooms and a touch of sophistication to your outdoor space.