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Sultry dark red button flowers surrounded by a ruff of near-black bracts are produced from June to August above deeply lobed dark green leaves with almost imperceptible black margins. This stunning dark red astrantia works equally well in contemporary and cottage-style plantings. For best colour plant it in fertile moist soil in full sun.

Astrantias have been cultivated in Britain since the 16th century and have numerous common names such as melancholy gentleman, Hatties pincushion and the more well-known masterwort.

• Garden care: Astrantias do not like dry soil. Incorporate plenty of organic matter when planting and water well in dry weather especially newly established plants. Lift and divide large clumps in early spring and apply a generous 5-7cm 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.