Astrantia 'Claret'

Astrantia 'Claret' is a real gem of a plant. From June to August, branched clusters of beautiful, intense ruby-red flowers are produced. Each has a pincushion-like centre, with a characteristic ruff of bracts (which are longer than most other Astrantia forms). Also, there is a flush of pure white at the base of each petal. It is one of the darkest-flowered astrantias, and even the stems are an attractive maroon colour. The deeply lobed, serrated, fresh, dark green leaves are pretty, too, and provide a lovely foil to the striking blooms!

Astrantias have been grown in Britain for 600 years, and have numerous common names, including masterwort, Hattie’s pincushion and melancholy gentleman. Despite it being a favourite for cottage gardens, astrantia works equally well in modern or contemporary-style plantings. Grow Astrantia major 'Claret' at the front of a sunny border, in a moist but well-drained soil, and you will be able to appreciate the flower colour at close quarters. In many gardens, astrantias have been seen to repel slugs, so try growing them with large-leaved plants, such as Hostas.