Species
Astrantia majorMasterwort9 other cultivars
‘Venice’Venice masterwort
‘Sparkling Stars Pink’Sparkling Stars Pink Great Masterwort
‘Star of Billions’Masterwort Star of Billions
‘Burgundy Manor’Masterwort Burgundy Manor
‘Claret’Great Masterwort 'Claret'
‘Sparkling Stars White’Sparkling Stars White Masterwort
‘Roma’Masterwort 'Roma'
‘Alba’White Masterwort
‘Star of Fire’Masterwort Star of Fire
The Story
Plant Bio
Herbaceous perennial with palmate, deeply lobed basal leaves. It produces distinctive, pincushion-like flowerheads (umbels) composed of tiny flowers, surrounded by a showy ruff of papery bracts.
'Ruby Cloud' is distinguished by its intense, deep ruby-red flowers and bracts, which are darker than many other red cultivars. It typically grows in a compact, upright clump.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate to moist soil
Humidity
Prefers humid conditions
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe
Toxicity
Can cause minor skin irritation; low toxicity if ingested.
Bloom period
Early summer – Late summer
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist, well-drained soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity during propagation.
- Plant in partly shaded areas to mimic natural woodland conditions.
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells.
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Pro Tip
Ensure soil remains consistently moist and provide dappled shade for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Fertilize in early spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not expose to full, harsh sunlight in hot climates ❌
- Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil
- Do not disturb roots during flowering
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Ruby Cloud Masterwort questions
What zones can Ruby Cloud Masterwort grow in?
Ruby Cloud Masterwort is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Ruby Cloud Masterwort deer resistant?
Yes — Ruby Cloud Masterwort is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Ruby Cloud Masterwort bloom?
Ruby Cloud Masterwort typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Ruby Cloud Masterwort need full sun?
Ruby Cloud Masterwort does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Astrantia to compare
Venice masterwort
Astrantia major 'Venice'
Sparkling Stars Pink Great Masterwort
Astrantia major 'Sparkling Stars Pink'
Masterwort Star of Billions
Astrantia major 'Star of Billions'
Masterwort Burgundy Manor
Astrantia major 'Burgundy Manor'
Great Masterwort 'Claret'
Astrantia major 'Claret'
Sparkling Stars White Masterwort
Astrantia major 'Sparkling Stars White'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Ruby Cloud Masterwort with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.