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This is a new variety of astrantia, with stunning dark red pincushion flowers surrounded by a ruff of black-red bracts that appear from early to late summer. The leaves are pretty too; deeply lobed and dark green. It makes an excellent cut flower, as the flowers last up to two weeks in a vase. Astrantias have been cultivated in Britain since the 16th century and have numerous common names such as melancholy gentleman, Hattie's pincushion and the more well-known masterwort.

• Garden care: Astrantias do not like dry soil, so incorporate plenty of organic matter when planting and water well in dry weather especially with newly established plants. Lift and divide large clumps in early spring, and apply a generous 5-7 cm mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost around the plant. Divided specimens may take some time to establish, since they don't like having their roots disturbed.