Astrantia 'Star of Fire'

Astrantia 'Star of Fire': Smouldering Red Stars Up Close

Burgundy-red pincushions wrapped in a ruff of red-purple, like somebody dressed a flower for a royal portrait and then set it alight. 'Star of Fire' doesn't do quiet. NO EXTINGUISHER REQUIRED.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Astrantia major 'Star of Fire'
• Common Name: Masterwort
• Height: 60 cm (24 in)
• Spread: 45 cm (18 in)
• Flowers: Deep burgundy-red pincushions in a ruff of red-purple bracts
• Bloom Time: Early to late summer (June to August)
• Foliage: Deep green, toothed, deeply lobed leaves
• Features: Long bloom season, excellent fresh or dried cut flower
• Plant Patent: USPP 20,284

Where to Plant: Use it in borders, cottage gardens and part-shade beds where you'll see the detail up close. The dark red adds depth among pastels and looks rich against silver or chartreuse foliage. Grow a few extra for cutting, since the flowers last well in a vase and dry nicely.

Companion Plants: Paeonia 'Duchesse de Nemours' opens big white blooms in May and June, a classic partner for the deep burgundy stars. Gaura 'Whirling Butterflies' adds airy white flowers from June to September on wiry stems up to 90 cm. Close to the edge, Aster 'Wood's Light Blue' takes over with blue daisies from August to October. White and blue let the burgundy really glow.

Plant Care: Plant it in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Full sun is fine where the soil stays moist. Otherwise, a spot with afternoon shade keeps the leaves fresh. Water regularly in the first season and during dry spells. Deadhead to encourage more flowers and limit self-seeding. Shear it back if it looks tired in late summer, and it will often send up fresh leaves. Cut it to the ground in late fall or early spring. Divide every few years in spring.

History: 'Star of Fire' was bred by Jacobus de Jong in Woubrugge, the Netherlands, from a 2003 open pollination of an Astrantia major selection, and was patented in 2009. The species grows wild in the mountain meadows of central and eastern Europe and has been a cottage-garden favourite for generations.

Final Thoughts: The bees will circle while the deer keep walking. You'll be cutting stems for the dinner table all summer. FEEL THE HEAT.