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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.
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Other common names greater masterwort astrantia
great black masterwort melancholy gentleman black hellebore
Synonyms Astrantia major 'Aunt Hatie's Pincushion' Astrantia carniolica
Astrantia biebersteinii
Family Apiaceae
Genus Astrantia are clump-forming herbaceous perennials with palmately lobed basal leaves and branched, erect, wiry stems bearing compact umbels of tiny flowers surrounded by a rosette of showy bracts
Details A. major is an erect, clump-forming perennial with scarcely 3-5-lobed leaves, and flower stems to 60cm, bearing flower heads in stalked, compound umbels. Clusters of tiny, whitish-green flowers are surrounded by petal-like bracteoles which are whitish, tinged with green and pink, with conspicuous veining. Several subspecies of this plant have contributed to the many garden selections
Plant range C & E Europe
Foliage Deciduous
Habit Bushy
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H7
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Aspect South-facing or North-facing or West-facing or East-facing
Exposure Exposed or Sheltered
Clay
Loam
MoistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
SoilClay, Loam
pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Ultimate height 0.5-1 metres
Ultimate spread 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height 2-5 years
Cultivation Best grown in moist, fertile, preferably humus-rich soil in sun or part shade; drier conditions tolerated
Propagation Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types Flower borders and beds Underplanting of Roses and Shrubs City & Courtyard Gardens Cottage & Informal Garden
Pruning Cut back after flowers have faded to tidy and encourage a fresh flush of leaf growth
Pests May be affected by astrantia leaf miner, slugs and aphids
Diseases Powdery mildews may be troublesome
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