Astrantia 'Star of Fire'

Astrantia 'Star of Fire': Emberlight Masterwort

Dramatic and eye-catching, Astrantia 'Star of Fire' smoulders with rich crimson-purple blooms surrounded by dark-tipped bracts, creating the effect of glowing embers set against a cool green backdrop. Its intricate, pincushion-like flowers rise above compact mounds of deeply cut foliage from early summer into late summer, drawing in bees, hoverflies, and admiring glances. A standout in part-shade gardens, it combines bold colour with airy structure—perfect for adding refinement and quiet intensity to borders and woodland edges.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–70 cm
• Spread: 40–50 cm
• Flower Colour: Deep crimson-purple with dark-tipped bracts
• Flowering Period: June to August
• Foliage: Deep green, palmate, deeply lobed leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Part sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

Uses and Benefits: 'Star of Fire' adds depth and contrast to shaded perennial borders, woodland gardens, and cottage-style plantings. Its rich colour and finely detailed blooms enhance both naturalistic and formal designs, while its compact size makes it ideal for underplanting larger shrubs or mixing into mixed borders. Beloved by pollinators and highly effective as a cut flower, it delivers multi-season interest with minimal fuss.

Companion Plants: Pair Astrantia 'Star of Fire' with Heuchera 'Cherry Truffles', Dryopteris 'Male Fern', and Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts' for a rich, moody palette that thrives in part-shade and brings refined contrast in both colour and texture.

Care Instructions: Grow in part sun to light shade with consistent moisture and rich soil. Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Deadhead faded flowers to encourage rebloom, or allow seedheads to remain for structural interest. Divide every few years in early spring or autumn to maintain vigour.

History: 'Star of Fire' is part of the popular “Star of” Astrantia series, selected for its vivid colouring and compact form. It was bred in Europe for performance in cooler, moisture-retentive garden settings and has become a favourite among gardeners seeking structure and late spring through summer interest.

Final Thoughts: With its deep, glowing tones and pollinator-friendly blooms, Astrantia 'Star of Fire' brings a spark of elegance to shaded borders—subtle in form, but ablaze in character.