Astrantia Star of Love

Astrantia Star of Love is an enchanting perennial plant renowned for its delicate, star-shaped flowers and elegant, lacy foliage. Belonging to the Apiaceae family, this cultivar is a standout in the garden, captivating observers with its intricate blooms and graceful presence.

In late Spring to early Summer, it bursts into bloom, showcasing clusters of exquisite flowers held atop slender, wiry stems. Each bloom features a central button-like structure surrounded by a ring of papery bracts, resembling a starry constellation, hence its charming name. The flowers come in shades of deep pink to ruby-red, adding a vibrant splash of colour to the garden landscape.

The foliage of Astrantia ‘Star of Love’ is equally striking, with deeply lobed, palmate leaves that form dense, bushy clumps. The foliage provides an attractive backdrop to the delicate blooms and remains lush and verdant throughout the growing season, enhancing the plant’s overall allure.

This cultivar typically forms compact mounds, reaching a height and spread of around 1 metre, making it well-suited for border plantings, rock gardens, or mixed perennial beds. Its modest size also makes it an excellent choice for container gardening, adding a touch of elegance to patios or balconies.

This Astrantia thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade to full sun, although it can tolerate a range of light conditions. Regular watering, especially during periods of drought, will help promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Deadheading spent blooms can prolong the flowering period and encourage the development of new buds. Additionally, dividing clumps every few years in early spring can rejuvenate the plant and prevent overcrowding.

Astrantia Star of Love is prized for its long-lasting blooms, attractive foliage, and easy-going nature, making it a beloved addition to any garden or landscape design. Whether used as a focal point, a border accent, or a charming element in a cottage garden, this delightful perennial is sure to steal the heart of any garden enthusiast with its celestial beauty.

• Sunlight: Plant in a location that receives partial shade to full sun. While it can tolerate some shade, it tends to produce more blooms in sunnier spots.
• Soil: Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Prefers moist, fertile soil but can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and loam.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the plant’s active growth period. Water deeply to encourage strong root development, and avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the plant’s stems to prevent rot.
• Fertilisation: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early Spring as new growth emerges. Avoid excessive fertilisation, as this can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season. This also prevents the plant from self-seeding excessively.
• Dividing: Every few years, divide overcrowded clumps in early Spring or early Autumn. Dig up the plant, separate the root ball into smaller sections, and replant them in well-prepared soil.
• Support: Provide support for taller varieties, especially if they are prone to flopping over. Use stakes or grow-through supports to keep the plants upright.
• Winter Care: Mulch around the base of the plant in late Autumn to provide insulation and protect the roots from freezing temperatures. In colder climates, consider providing additional protection with a layer of straw or evergreen boughs.

By following these care guidelines, you can ensure that your Astrantia Star of Love thrives and continues to enchant with its delicate blooms and graceful foliage, bringing beauty to your garden for years to come.