Masterwort (Astrantia major 'Roma')
Astrantia major 'Roma' Masterwort delights with rose-red blooms bordered by silver-pink bracts. A versatile perennial perfect for moist partial shade.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Astrantia major ‘Roma’, commonly known as Masterwort, brings distinctive, sophisticated color to partially shaded gardens. This herbaceous perennial features dome-shaped flowerheads famous for their rose-red florets surrounded by showy, papery, silver-pink involucral bracts, creating a textural contrast highly valued by designers. It is a reliable, clumping plant perfectly suited for providing consistent color from late spring through mid-summer.
The botanical appeal of Astrantia major ‘Roma’ lies in its adaptability to moist conditions and its excellent performance when grown in cooler summer climates. While it demands uniform moisture, it requires very well-drained soil to prevent rot, characteristic of its mountain meadow origins. Gardeners appreciate how Astrantia major ‘Roma’ forms attractive, non-invasive colonies over time, slowly filling in woodland gaps.
Beyond its garden display, Masterwort offers excellent functional qualities. The long-lasting blooms are ideal for fresh bouquets, and they dry beautifully for everlasting arrangements. Providing reliable structure and texture, this cultivar of Astrantia major enhances perennial borders and woodland edges where consistent moisture can be maintained.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Apiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-7
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1.5-2 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: May to July
- Bloom Description: Rose red with silver-pink bracts
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Plant Astrantia major ‘Roma’ primarily in part shade, mimicking its native woodland clearing habitat. The ideal growing medium is organically rich, medium to wet, yet crucially well-drained. Consistent moisture is non-negotiable; soils must not be allowed to dry out completely, though overly saturated, poorly drained areas are fatal. For gardeners in hotter climates, afternoon shade is mandatory, as this Masterwort performs best where summer night temperatures remain consistently below 70°F.
Watering should be consistent, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist throughout the growing season. Fertilizing is rarely necessary if the base soil is organically rich. Maintenance for Astrantia major ‘Roma’ is generally low, centered on deadheading. Removing spent flowerheads encourages further blooming but note that this specific variety is patented and does not produce viable seed, limiting propagation potential.
If you wish to manage its spread or maintain a cleaner look, deadhead the old flowers. While plants will spread slowly via stolons to form colonies, this is generally considered non-invasive and adds to its naturalized charm throughout woodland gardens. Overwintering is straightforward in its designated hardiness range; apply a light layer of mulch if winters are extremely harsh, though it is typically quite self-sufficient.
Landscape Uses
Astrantia major ‘Roma’ excels when utilized in locations that mimic damp woodland fringes, making it perfect for sun-dappled areas beneath open trees. As a suggested use, Naturalize is key, as these plants slowly spread to colonize open spaces, providing excellent ground cover without aggressive behavior. They are superb additions to informal cottage gardens or natural settings where a tapestry of texture is desired.
Integrate Masterwort into perennial borders that boast perpetually moist soil, perhaps alongside ferns, hostas, or other moisture-loving shade perennials. Its height (up to 2 feet) allows it to function well in the middle layer of a mixed border. Furthermore, Astrantia major ‘Roma’ looks fantastic near moist stream banks, provided the crowns remain above the standing waterline.
For designers focusing on texture and long-season interest, the unique structure of the flower heads, combined with the deeply cut foliage, provides vertical interest. Because of its exceptional quality as both a fresh and dried floral material, ensuring you have several clumps allows for year-round enjoyment of this rose-red beauty.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
- Good Dried
Noteworthy Characteristics
Astrantia major, commonly called greater masterwort, is an upright, umbelliferous, stoloniferous, herbaceous perennial (carrot family) native to mountain meadows and moist European areas. The cultivar ‘Roma’ features compound umbels bearing rose-red florets subtended by a showy ruff of papery, light silver-pink involucral bracts that persist long after the bloom period ends. This specific variety is the result of a planned breeding program initiated in the Netherlands in 1992.
Tolerances
- Wet Soil
Potential Problems
This Masterwort generally exhibits good resistance to pests and diseases, posing few serious challenges to committed gardeners. Occasionally, slugs and snails may show interest in the foliage, especially when conditions are cool and damp. Routine checks, especially early in the season, and simple slug control methods should easily manage any minor infestations without resorting to heavy chemical treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Masterwort suitable for?
Astrantia major ‘Roma’ is reliably cold-hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 7.
How large does Astrantia major ‘Roma’ grow?
This perennial typically reaches an eventual height between 1.5 to 2 feet tall, with a spread ranging from 1 to 1.5 feet wide.
When does Astrantia major ‘Roma’ bloom?
You can expect peak blooming for this Masterwort from May through July, displaying its attractive rose-red flowers accented by silver-pink bracts.
What sun exposure does Masterwort need?
This plant performs best in part shade, though it may handle more sun if the soil remains consistently moist.
Conclusion
Astrantia major ‘Roma’ remains a superb choice for adding refined texture and long-lasting color to the partially shaded, moist areas of nearly any garden design. Its unique rose-red and silver-pink blooms make this Masterwort a staple cutting flower and naturalizing plant. Before planting, confirm your site offers the consistent moisture and appropriate light levels required for this valuable perennial to thrive.
Companion Planting
When establishing Astrantia major ‘Roma’, matching its need for consistent moisture and part shade is critical for companion success. Consider pairing it with plants that enjoy similar conditions, such as various Hostas, especially those with deep green or blue foliage that contrast well with the light bracts. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra) provides graceful, arching texture nearby, complementing the upright habit of the Masterwort.
For textural variance in the woodland setting, pair Astrantia major ‘Roma’ with large-leaved Epimediums or woodland Phlox varieties. Because this plant is excellent near water features (above the waterline), placing it near Iris sibirica or Astilbe allows you to create layered interest in damp borders where moisture is reliably available throughout the summer months.
Seasonal Care Calendar
For Spring, focus on clearing away old foliage debris once new growth begins to emerge. This is the best time to amend the soil lightly with compost to ensure organic richness leading into the main growing period. Begin monitoring moisture levels closely as temperatures rise.
Summer care centers on watering. Since Astrantia major ‘Roma’ cannot tolerate drying out, maintain a steady water schedule, especially during heat waves. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage a second, lighter flush of flowering and keep the garden looking tidy.
As Autumn arrives, the foliage of Masterwort may start to decline naturally. Allow the stems to remain standing through early winter for aesthetic appeal and marginal winter protection. Cut back the dead stalks to the crown in very early spring before new growth starts.
