Also known as Masterwort · 419 saves

Astrantia

Astrantia, the genus most gardeners know as masterwort. We track 11 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.

11 varieties1 speciesZones 4–8Mostly full sun

The 11 most-saved Astrantia varieties

Species of Astrantia

Each one is a parent of the varieties above.

Track your Astrantia in Sow

Save the Astrantia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.

How to grow Astrantia

Whats common across all Astrantia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 11 most-grown of them.

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

ProblemWhat you'll seeWhat to do
AphidsSticky residue and distorted leavesUse neem oil spray or insecticidal soap
SlugsIrregular holes in leavesUse organic slug bait or handpick at night
Powdery mildewWhite powdery coating on leavesApply organic fungicide and improve air circulation
Powdery MildewWhite powdery coating on foliageApply a fungicidal spray and improve air circulation
Powdery MildewWhite powder on leavesApply a fungicide suitable for organic gardening and improve air circulation
Powdery mildewWhite powdery coating on leavesImprove air circulation and apply fungicide
Root RotWilting and yellowing leavesEnsure well-draining soil and reduce watering

Making more Astrantia

Division

  1. Dig up mature plants in early spring or fall.
  2. Gently separate clumps with a sharp knife or spade.
  3. Replant divisions at the same depth and water thoroughly.
  4. Allow roots to establish for 2–3 weeks.

Seed

  1. Collect seeds after flowering in late summer.
  2. Sow seeds in moist, well-drained seed-starting mix.
  3. Cover lightly with soil and keep moist.
  4. 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 419 real gardeners — 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