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Pale greenish-white pincushion-like flowers surrounded by a ruff of white bracts are produced from June to August above deeply lobed dark green leaves. This delicate Astrantia is perfect for naturalising in areas of moist dappled shade.  It works equally well in a woodland edge or in a mixed border shaded by shrubs and deciduous trees.

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 5-7 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.