Gro 'n Sell
Astrantia
Astrantia is a hardy, clump-forming perennial grown for its unique pincushion blooms and long, wiry stems, making it a valuable addition to both garden beds and cut flower production. Hardy in USDA zones 4-8 (zone 9 with adequate shade and moisture), most varieties reach 18-30 inches tall and prefer part shade and consistently moist, humus-rich soil. Blooming from late spring into early fall with regular harvesting and deadheading, Astrantia offers long-lasting blooms that are excellent both fresh and dried. Harvest when bracts are fully colored and papery but before seed set; stems typically last 7-10 days in the vase and dry well with color and form intact. Its finely textured foliage and long season of bloom make it a useful field perennial and a premium florist favorite.
We have sold Astrantia previoulsy as a larger cell perennial, but for some technical production reasons, these are being offered in a 25 cell half tray, the same way we supply Gerbera and Limonium. Can be ordered with Limonion for week 8 only. Astrantia ships in weeks 6-8 only.
These photos are provided as a guideline, not as a contractual guarantee of actual coloration. Magical Red is a confirmed photo of the variety, and the other two are close approximations.
Price includes $ .55 per plant royalty.
About Tray Sizes (please read)
210 and 125 cell trays are full-sized trays, and three of these will fit in a shipping box.
50 cell trays are half-sized trays (unless otherwise noted) and two of these are the equivalent of one full sized tray. Six of these will fit in a shipping box. These trays are long and skinny. (Think hotdogs). There are not compatible with 25 cell half trays. Scoop scabiosa, veronica, solidago, gypsophila, hypericum, herbs, some tweedia, and others are grown in the 50 cell tray.
*Chrysanthemums are grown in the same 50 cell half tray as mentioned above, but due to their height, they take up twice as much space. So TWO half trays of mums takes up 2/3 of the box.
25 cell half trays are also half-sized trays, but they are short and square. (Think hamburgers). These are not compatible with 50 cell half trays. Limonium and astrantia are grown in this tray.
Gerberas are also grown in a 25 cell half tray, but are tall that the others, and FOUR of these half trays of gerberas fills a box.
18 and 32 cell trays are full sized trays specifically for our vernalized perennials. These have their own set of shipping rules (find details HERE) and cannot be combined with items grown in 210, 125, or 50 cell trays.
Growing Guides
Click here to access all of our comprehensive growing guides.
| Common Name | Astrantia, Masterwort |
| Genus | Astrantia |
| Species | various |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Life Cycle | herbaceous perennial |
| Format | 32-cell plug tray |
| Plug Care | Bump up into larger pots or plant out soon after arrival - do not allow to dry out or become rootbound while in the plug stage. These plugs are from tissue culture and will be completely hardened off to greenhouse conditions - harden off for 2-3 days to full sun and outdoor conditions before planting into the field. |
| Netting / Staking | Not necessary |
| Temperature Range | Hardy to -4F, possibly colder. Performs best in cool summer climates - needs some shade in extremely hot areas. |
| Spacing | 12" x 12" |
| Soil Preference | Moist, well drained. Struggles in excessively wet or dry soils. Water frequently especially in hot, sunny areas. |
| Day Length | Long-day plants. Prefer full sun to partial shade. Will not flower well in deep shade. |
| Pinching | Not necessary |
| When to Plant | Plant in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. |
| Harvesting | Harvest when buds are just beginning to open. The Kolster varieties we carry are high yielding. Expect the following stem counts per square meter: year 1 = 90 stems, year 2+ = 150 stems. |
| Post Harvest Care | Expect a vase life of up to two weeks. Store at 34-38F. Ethylene sensitive. |
| Diseases / Insects | No major pests or diseases to note. Can suffer from typical plant pests like slugs and aphids. |
| Bailey's Notes |
Astrantia is a must-grow for flower farmers seeking delicate yet distinctive blooms that elevate any arrangement. Its unique, star-shaped flowers - featuring tiny florets surrounded by papery bracts - come in elegant shades of blush, burgundy, and white, making it perfect for everything from rustic bouquets to high-end floral designs. Highly valued for its versatility, astrantia offers long-lasting beauty both fresh and dried, with blooms that hold their form and charm over time. It’s a reliable perennial, thriving in cooler climates and partial shade, and once established, it provides a steady supply of stems throughout the growing season. It's best to deadhead Astrantias to keep them flowering. Remove any faded blooms and do not allow plant to set seed - this will prolong the flowering window. The height can vary depending on variety: Magical Diamonds 28" - 32" Sparkling 23" - 28" |
| Resources | N/A |