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What is a Masterwort?

The Masterwort, botanically known as Astrantia major, is one of the most charming and refined perennials you can find in the garden. The plant owes its Dutch name, "Zeeuws Knoopje" (Zeeland button), to the unique shape of its flowers, which are reminiscent of the traditional silver buttons found on Zeeland folk costumes. The plant is also known as Great Masterwort, a reference to the beautiful wreath of bracts that surrounds the actual flower like a star. The Masterwort belongs to the parsley family and originally hails from the mountain meadows of Central and Eastern Europe. It is a plant that provides a natural, almost fairytale-like appearance to borders and fits perfectly into both modern and classic gardens.

The benefits of a Masterwort?

Planting the Astrantia major brings many benefits to the garden enthusiast:

• Long flowering period: The Masterwort blooms exuberantly and, with proper care, can even provide a second flush of flowers in late summer.
• Biodiversity: The flowers are a rich source of nectar and attract swarms of bees, bumblebees, and hoverflies, contributing to a lively garden.
• Excellent cut flower: The stems are sturdy and the flowers remain beautiful in a vase for a remarkably long time, making it a favorite for cutting gardens.
• Shade-tolerant: Unlike many other prolific bloomers, the Great Masterwort thrives in spots with less direct sunlight.
• Healthy foliage: The deeply incised, hand-shaped leaves form a beautiful, dense clump that has high ornamental value even outside the flowering period.

What to look for when buying a Masterwort?

When buying a Masterwort at Planten247, it is important to look at the vitality of the plant. A healthy Astrantia has a firm root ball and fresh green leaves without spots. There are many beautiful color variations available today: from pure white ('Alba') to deep red ('Abbey Road' or 'Venice') and soft pink ('Roma'). Consider beforehand which color best suits your current border. When purchasing, ensure that the plant is delivered in a well-rooted pot; this guarantees fast and vigorous growth once the plant goes into the open ground. At Planten247, we select our plants directly from the grower based on these quality characteristics.

Is the Masterwort hardy?

A major advantage of Astrantia major is that the plant is very hardy. The plant is completely resistant to cold winters and survives temperatures well below freezing without any problems. In autumn, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, only to reappear in early spring with fresh, new shoots from the roots. Because it is a strong perennial, you don't have to worry about frost damage, provided the soil does not remain extremely wet in winter (water stagnation can lead to root rot).

Masterwort flowering time

The flowering time of the Masterwort generally begins in June and continues through August. With a favorable summer and the right care, you can significantly extend the flowering period. If you prune the spent stems down to the ground immediately after the first flush of flowers, you can stimulate the plant to produce a second bloom in September. This allows you to enjoy the characteristic starry flowers for almost the entire summer season.

Masterwort in a pot

Although Astrantia major is a true border plant, it can also be kept in a pot on the patio or balcony. This is an ideal solution for people with a smaller outdoor space who still want to enjoy these special flowers. Choose a spacious pot with good drainage holes, as the Masterwort likes moist but not soaking wet soil. Use high-quality potting soil and ensure that the pot is placed in a spot where the afternoon sun is not too harsh, as plants in pots can dry out more quickly.

Planting a Masterwort?

Planting the Great Masterwort can generally be done all year round, as long as it is not freezing. However, the best periods are spring or early autumn. Dig a spacious planting hole and mix the soil with some compost or organic fertilizer to give the plant a good start. Maintain a planting distance of about 30 centimeters, which equates to 7 to 9 plants per square meter. This ensures that the plants will eventually form a beautifully closed and dense carpet.

How do you care for a Masterwort?

The care of Astrantia major is relatively simple, making it an ideal plant for any gardener. The most important rule is: keep the soil moist. The Masterwort does not like dried-out soil, especially during hot summers. A layer of mulch or compost around the base of the plant helps to retain moisture in the soil. Provide a small amount of organic base fertilizer in the spring. For an extra vigorous plant, you can dig up and divide (split) the clump every three to four years in the spring and replant the younger sections. This rejuvenates the plant and promotes flowering power.

Buying a Masterwort at Planten247

Do you want to enrich your garden with this romantic classic? Buying a Masterwort at Planten247 means choosing quality and freshness. We ensure that the plants are packed with the utmost care and delivered quickly to your home. Whether you are looking for a specific color or a mix of different Astrantia varieties, you will always find a healthy specimen with us that is ready to enhance your garden immediately.

Frequently asked questions about Masterwort

Is Masterwort poisonous?

The Masterwort is not known as a highly toxic plant. Nevertheless, it is not suitable for consumption. For dogs and cats, the plant is generally safe; there are no reports of Astrantia causing severe poisoning symptoms in pets. However, it is always wise to prevent your pets from eating large quantities of the plant, as this can always lead to mild stomach or intestinal irritation. For humans, the plant is perfectly safe to touch while gardening.

Is Masterwort a perennial?

Yes, Astrantia major is a perennial. This means you will enjoy your purchase for years to come. The plant goes dormant every year in winter, during which the foliage dies back, but the rootstocks remain very much alive underground. As soon as temperatures rise in the spring, the plant faithfully sprouts again, often larger and more vigorous than the year before.

How long does a Masterwort bloom?

The individual flowers of the Masterwort remain beautiful for a long time, often for several weeks per flower cluster. The total flowering period of the plant usually lasts two to three months. Through proper maintenance and by deadheading the first flowers, you can stretch this to as much as 12 weeks of garden enjoyment.

What can you combine with Astrantia?

The Astrantia is a fantastic "weaver" that connects other plants in the border. Because of its preference for partial shade and moist soil, it combines beautifully with the following plants:

• Ferns: The delicate foliage of fern species forms a beautiful contrast with the star-like flowers.
• Hostas: The large leaves of the Hosta form a calm background for the refined Astrantia.
• Foxglove (Digitalis): For a romantic, natural "cottage garden" look.
• Ornamental grasses: Think of Hakonechloa macra for a modern and playful effect.
• Geraniums: The lower-growing cranesbills fill the space under the Astrantia perfectly.

What location is best for the Masterwort?

The ideal location for the Great Masterwort is a spot in partial shade. The plant likes filtered light, for example, under a tree with an open canopy. Although the plant can also stand in the sun, the soil must remain constantly moist to prevent the leaves from scorching. In deep shade, the plant will grow, but the flowering will be less exuberant.

Why does my Masterwort have brown leaf edges?

Brown leaf edges on an Astrantia almost always indicate a lack of moisture. The plant transpires a lot of water through its leaves, and if the roots cannot absorb enough from the soil, the edges of the leaves dry out first. This often happens during dry, hot periods in the summer. In that case, provide extra water and possibly a layer of mulch to keep the soil cool.

Do I need to support my Masterwort?

In most cases, support is not necessary. The Masterwort naturally has fairly sturdy, upright stems that do not easily fall over. However, if the plant is in a very shady spot or grows in very rich soil, the stems can become a bit longer and floppier. In that case, or in places with a lot of wind, a subtle plant support can help keep the flowers standing beautifully upright.

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