This herbaceous perennial has upright basal foliage that forms a low mounded habit. It has deeply divided dark green toothed leaves and the tiny cup-shaped white to pink flowers appear in a dense cluster with bracts above the foliage from early to mid summer.

Hardiness zones 3 to 9

Astrantia majoris naturally found in central and eastern Europe growing on the coast and in mountain woodlands and meadows that are commonly associated with watercourses from sea level to an altitude of 1840 m (6.072 ft).

It prefers a semi-shaded to sunny open position and grows in well-drained organic rich, reliably moist soils that are tending acidic with a pH 6-7.8 and is frost tolerant but drought tender.

The Great Masterwort is grown for its clumping habit and starry flowers. It is planted in perennial borders or beds in small or cottage gardens and is used in woodland settings. It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions establishing in 2-3 years and is moderately long-lived. The flowers are used in floral arrangements either fresh or dried and there are several cultivars available with varying flower colour. ID 3571

Astrantia (as-TRAN-tee-ah) major (MAY-jah)

Apiaceae (ay-pee-AY-see-ee)
(Umbelliferae)
Carrot family