plant pick
‘Rubra’ astrantia Astrantia major
Looking for some unusual flowers to spruce up your garden? Try ‘Rubra’ astrantia. The flowers last a long time in the garden and in a vase. And not only that, you can dry them to keep a reminder of summer through the winter.
Astrantia usually does best in part shade with moist, not soggy, well-drained soil. In Northern gardens, you can grow it in full sun if you keep the soil moist. A good way to do this is with a 2- to 3-in. layer of mulch that’s one part well-rotted manure mixed into four parts compost. This type of mulch will feed the soil and keep in much-needed moisture.
Deadheading keeps blooms coming for most of the summer. When flowers fade to brown, follow the stem down to where it branches and snip it off.
TYPE Perennial SIZE 18 to 24 in. tall by 12 to 18 in. wide BLOOM Rose-red in late spring to late summer LIGHT Full sun to part shade SOIL Moist, rich, well-drained PESTS None serious, occasional slugs HARDINESS Cold: USDA zones 4 to 7; Heat: AHS zones 7 to 1
