This perennial with pincushion-like flowers is at home in shady locations with moist soil.
Masterwort (Astrantia) is one of the few cut flowers that thrive in shade.
This perennial bears pincushion-like flowers in late spring and early summer.
The green foliage remains attractive throughout the season.
It grows in mounded clumps and spreads by stolons.
The plant will thrive in any location that gets a regular moisture supply.
Masterwort looks best if planted in groups of 3 to 10.
Its upright habit makes it a perfect partner for moundinghostasand other shade garden plants.
How and When to Plant Masterwort
Plant masterwort in the spring.
Dig a hole at least twice the diameter of the nursery pot and just as deep.
Place the plant in the center of the hole and backfill with original soil.
Tamp down the soil and water immediately to remove any air pockets.
Continue watering the new plant until you see vigorous new growth.
Space plants 15 to 18 inches apart.
Masterwort Care Tips
As long as its moisture requirements are met, masterwort is a low-maintenance plant.
Soil and Water
The soil should be moist and rich in organic matter.
Masterwort tolerates slightly acid, neutral, and slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.1 to 7.8).
Pruning
Removing flowers as they fade extends the bloom season.
With regulardeadheading, this perennial continues to bloom into July.
Not much pruning is needed.
Use a high-quality potting mix and mix it with up to one-third of vermiculite to increase water retention.
If you dont want to avoid that extra effort, grow masterwort as an annual as some gardeners do.
Pests and Problems
With the exception ofaphidsandslugs, masterwort is virtually free of major pests and diseases.
How to Propagate Masterwort
Masterwort is propagated by division or from seed.
Some cultivars are alsoprotected by a plant patent.
Given this,dividing a mature clumpis the better option.
Keep it well-watered until you see new growth.
The leaves, on the other hand, are fresh green.
Even if astilbes never bloomed, it’s worth planting them merely for their handsome foliage.
In spring, new foliage often emerges bright green with blushes of bronze.
The plant tolerates full sun in cooler climates, provided it has a constant supply of moisture.
In drier sites, however, the leaves will scorch in full sun.
Zone 4-8
Ligularia
Large, coarsely textured leaves and golden flowers makeligulariastand out in a shade garden.
Zone 4-9
Ferns
Fernsare excellent companion plants for shade-loving flowering plants.
What all ferns have in common is a preference for rich, humus-filled soil.
Some ferns spread by underground runners, which can be helpful in places where you want a dense groundcover.
The average vase life is five to ten days.
It’s a gorgeous filler plant for cut bouquets and arrangements.
It also makes excellent dried flowers.
