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A new introduction with greenish-white pincushion flowers surrounded by a spidery ruff of green-tinted bracts from June to August which are produced en masse above lobed dark green leaves. Try it in dappled shade or a woodland edge or in a sunny but moist mixed border. Although it is an old cottage-garden favourite astrantias work equally well in contemporary-style plantings.  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 dont like having their roots disturbed. Cut back to the ground after flowering in the summer for a second flush in the autumn.