Astrantia
Astrantia spp.
Special Features
Features unique, pincushion-like flowers surrounded by a ruff of bracts. A favorite in cottage gardens and great for attracting pollinators.
Plant Specifications
Our team will help you integrate this plant into your landscape design
Growing Astrantia on Martha's Vineyard
Astrantia major, the masterwort, is a refined European perennial that has adapted beautifully to the cooler, moisture-retentive garden conditions found on Martha's Vineyard, particularly in the sheltered, partially shaded borders of properties in West Tisbury and the more temperate inland areas of Edgartown. Its intricate pincushion flowers in pink, white, and deep burgundy are favorites of professional cut flower designers and provide months of ornamental interest from June through August when deadheaded regularly. The plant prefers consistently moist, humus-rich soils and benefits from shelter from the island's prevailing south-southwest winds, which can desiccate foliage on more exposed sites.
Deer largely avoid it, supporting its use in open garden settings. Estate Care professionals feature it in sophisticated mixed borders where refined floral texture and a long season of interest are both requirements.