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
‘Ruby Cloud’Ruby Cloud Masterwort
The Story
Plant Bio
Astrantia major 'Star of Fire' is a perennial herbaceous plant featuring lush, fern-like foliage and clusters of star-shaped, fiery red flowers that bloom from late spring to summer, creating a striking display.
This cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant, fiery red flower heads that add a dramatic splash of color and are highly attractive to pollinators, making it a standout in mixed borders and cottage gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Moist
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe and Asia
Toxicity
Mildly toxic; can cause skin irritation
Bloom period
Early summer – Late summer
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or divisions into well-prepared soil in early spring.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around roots.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
- Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with organic compost.
- Divide plants every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.
Pro Tip
Plant in dappled shade with moist, well-drained soil for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds
- Divide every few years to maintain vigor
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers
- Avoid planting in full sun in hot climates
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Masterwort Star of Fire questions
What zones can Masterwort Star of Fire grow in?
Masterwort Star of Fire is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Masterwort Star of Fire deer resistant?
Yes — Masterwort Star of Fire is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Masterwort Star of Fire bloom?
Masterwort Star of Fire 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 Masterwort Star of Fire need full sun?
Masterwort Star of Fire 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 Masterwort Star of Fire 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.