Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
Astrantia 'Claret' is a real gem of a plant. From June to August, branched clusters of beautiful, intense ruby-red flowers are produced. Each has a pincushion-like centre, with a characteristic ruff of bracts (which are longer than most other Astrantia forms). Also, there is a flush of pure white at the base of each petal. It is one of the darkest-flowered astrantias, and even the stems are an attractive maroon colour. The deeply lobed, serrated, fresh, dark green leaves are pretty, too, and provide a lovely foil to the striking blooms!
Astrantias have been grown in Britain for 600 years, and have numerous common names, including masterwort, Hattie’s pincushion and melancholy gentleman. Despite it being a favourite for cottage gardens, astrantia works equally well in modern or contemporary-style plantings. Grow Astrantia major 'Claret' at the front of a sunny border, in a moist but well-drained soil, and you will be able to appreciate the flower colour at close quarters. In many gardens, astrantias have been seen to repel slugs, so try growing them with large-leaved plants, such as Hostas.
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Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Astrantia major 'Claret'
- Flower colour
- Red
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 16 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Free draining
Damp - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Clay
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Borders
Wildlife gardens
Cottage gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 2-3 years
Good for cutting
Pollinator-friendly
Great for shade
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Attracts wildlife
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Astrantia 'Claret' reviews
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