Also known as Masterwort · 377 gardener saves
Astrantia: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Astrantia, the genus most gardeners know as masterwort. We track 11 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 11 most-saved Astrantia varieties
Of 11 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedVenice masterwort
Astrantia major 'Venice'
#2 most savedGreat Masterwort
Astrantia major 'Sparkling Stars Pink'
#3 most savedMasterwort Star of Billions
Astrantia major 'Star of Billions'
Masterwort Burgundy Manor
Astrantia major 'Burgundy Manor'
Sparkling Stars White Masterwort
Astrantia major 'Sparkling Stars White'
Great Masterwort 'Claret'
Astrantia major 'Claret'
Masterwort
Astrantia major
Masterwort 'Roma'
Astrantia major 'Roma'
White Masterwort
Astrantia major 'Alba'
Masterwort Star of Fire
Astrantia major 'Star of Fire'
Great Masterwort
Astrantia major 'Ruby Cloud'
How to grow Astrantia
What the Astrantia varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 11 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Astrantia year
- DivideMarch and September100% of varieties
Divide mature clumps every 3-5 years to rejuvenate
- DeadheadMay–August100% of varieties
Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming
- Spring CleanupFebruary82% of varieties
Remove old foliage before new growth emerges
- MulchMarch45% of varieties
Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool
- PruneJuly45% of varieties
Cut back flowering stems hard after first flush for rebloom
- FertilizeMarch45% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring
Do
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Refrain from heavy fertilizing late in the season
- Do not expose to full, harsh sunlight in hot climates ❌
- Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil
What goes wrong with Astrantia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use neem oil spray or insecticidal soap |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in leaves | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on foliage | Apply a fungicidal spray and improve air circulation |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply a fungicide suitable for organic gardening and improve air circulation |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
Making more Astrantia
Division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring or fall.
- Gently separate clumps with a sharp knife or spade.
- Replant divisions at the same depth and water thoroughly.
- Allow roots to establish for 2–3 weeks.
Seed
- Collect seeds after flowering in late summer.
- Sow seeds in moist, well-drained seed-starting mix.
- Cover lightly with soil and keep moist.
- Germination occurs in 2–4 weeks.
Astrantia questions
How many types of Astrantia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 11 distinct Astrantia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 377 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Astrantia grow in?
Across its varieties, Astrantia covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Astrantia bloom?
Most Astrantia varieties bloom in late spring, late spring to mid-summer, late spring to summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Astrantia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Astrantia shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Astrantia in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
