Adored by floral designers as a unique fresh or dried cut flower, astrantia will last up to 14 days in a vase! Each flower is comprised of a starry collar of deep red, pointed bracts with purple-red tips surrounding a button-like umbel of green and red flowers. They are produced in branched clusters from early through late summer and may rebloom in fall if cut back. Butterflies relish in their sweet nectar.
Astrantia's foliage forms an attractive rosette which stays low to the ground. The flowers are produced on wiry stems above it. They are terrific filler plants for the border, mixing especially well with coarse foliage plants such as hosta and ligularia. It also works well in containers.
Astrantia is widely popular in Europe due to its shade tolerance and long bloom time. It is quickly gaining popularity in the US as new cultivars are introduced.