Illustration by Marion's Garden, Nov. 2021
Why was it chosen as a logo?
Symbolically, it is associated with Courage, Protection, and Power. But what I particularly like about it is its elegance, resilience, and accommodating nature. It self-seeds, blooms for long periods, and is a pollinator plant. It promotes biodiversity!
Astrantia, with its delicately designed umbels, is a perennial plant belonging to the APIACEAE family. Known as Masterwort in English, it originates from central and eastern Europe. This characteristic plant of cottage gardens will charm you with its old-world beauty.
The Latin name, Astrantia, comes from the word "astrum," which means star, referring to the bracts' spiky form that gives the impression of looking at small stars.
The inflorescences, ranging in soft colors from white, pink, light green, to purple depending on the varieties, appear from June to August, and sometimes even in October.
It grows to a height of 50 to 75 cm. It will bring authentic charm to your flower beds and perfectly complement a "Cottage" style alongside ornamental grasses like Stipas.
It thrives particularly in fresh humus-rich, clay-limestone soils. Astrantia tends to self-seed naturally, extending its flowering period over several months. You will then observe nuances of colors that slightly differ from the mother plant. Place it in partial shade or under dappled sunlight, but be cautious of excessively hot exposures and scorching midday sun! It will also thrive when planted under trees or along the edge of a water feature in well-drained soil.
Astrantia is a wonderful cut flower and is highly appreciated for its long vase life. It also creates a sensation in dried flower bouquets, which have been very trendy lately.
Here are some of my favourite varieties:
Astrantia major ‘Alba’
Astrantia major ‘Buckland’
Astrantia major ‘Carlet'
Astrantia major ‘Hadspen Blood’
Astrantia major ‘Ruby Wedding’
Astrantia major ‘Sunningdale Variegated’
Astrantia major 'Super Star®'
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