Astrantia, also known as masterwort, is a group of showy plants with long-lasting papery bracts that make excellent fresh-cut flowers and dried flowers. You certainly don’t have to cut them to enjoy them, however. Astrantia (Astrantia major) is a group of flowers, also known as masterwort, that is both beautiful and unusual.

Understanding the Context

This shade-loving perennial is not common to most gardens, but it should be. Astrantia is a genus of 8 or 9 species in the carrot family (Apiaceae). One of the most commonly available as a garden ornamental is A. major, native to mountain meadows, grasslands, woodland clearings and along streams in Europe and western Asia.

Key Insights

Astrantia ‘Burgundy Manor’ A strong grower with lovely red stems holding a profusion of large, burgundy-red flowers. Best on rich, moist soil but adapts to most situations. 70cm x 50cm. Astrantia is a genus of herbaceous plants in the family Apiaceae, native to Central, Eastern and Southern Europe and the Caucasus. There are several species, which have aromatic roots, palmate leaves, and decorative flowers.

Final Thoughts

Astrantia major, commonly called greater masterwort, is an upright, umbelliferous, stoloniferous, herbaceous perennial (carrot family) that is native to mountain meadows, grasslands, woodland clearings and moist areas near streams in Europe and western Asia. If you love romantic, slightly wild looking flowers, Astrantia (often called masterwort) is one to put high on your list. Native to woodlands and meadows in Europe and Western Asia, these perennials produce intricate, starburst blooms that look like tiny fireworks frozen in time. Woodland clearings, mountain meadows, moist areas near streams, and part-shade to sunny gardens are all ideal homes for Astrantia (Masterwort), a genus of nine perennial species native to Europe and Asia.