Astrantia planting and care in the open field in the Urals

Astrantia is a perennial plant from the Umbrella family. The family is very extensive, however, there are few ornamental varieties. Astrantia is also called a star, and for good reason, because its flower looks like a star, looks spectacular against the background of green leaves that resemble maple leaves. The name, presumably, comes from two words: "astron" - the star and "antion" - the opposite.

On closer inspection, a whole bunch of small flowers, wrapped in larger petals, can be found, the color can be found for every taste: from white to dark ruby. The petals themselves are usually a tone darker than the middle, which gives additional attractiveness to the flower. The stems of the plant are straight, almost leafless. The fruit is two-seeded.

The advantage of Astrantia is the long flowering period.

from May to September, and if you cut off the faded stems in time, you can expect a second late flowering.

• Bushes grow in 2-3 years, reaching 70 cm in height and 50 in width.
• Without losing their beauty, they can grow in one place for 10-12 years, form dense clumps.
• Astrantia is still an excellent honey plant.
• In flower beds, it adjoins well with hosta, geranium, alstiba.

In its natural environment, it is found in Europe, in the Caucasus. For its outward intelligence and restrained beauty, the gardeners of England are very fond of it, cultivated since the 16th century. This is a non-capricious plant, with minimal care it pleases flower growers all season, it stands for a long time in a cut bouquet, often a starry can also be found in dried ikebans.

How to plant Astrantia seedlings

Growing Astrantia from seeds

Astrantia can reproduce by self-seeding, while there is a possibility of loss of varietal traits, as the people say: transfer. Therefore, it is desirable to control this process. Note that the seeds of varietal plants will not necessarily retain all varietal characteristics, but they will also be interesting.You can sow a starfish before winter, and thin out the seedlings in the spring. True, in this case, we are not insured against any whims of nature, in case of late frosts we can be left without flowers.

Astrantia from seed When to sow Astrantia for seedlings

This means that it is better to grow seedlings, especially since no special knowledge or skills are needed.

• The seeds need to be stratified (for the winter, put the seeds of astrantia in the vegetable box of the refrigerator), and in March, sow them in light soil, shallow.
• Water, maintain the temperature at about 22˚C, keep under a transparent cover until the first shoots appear.
• Then put in a very lighted place, moisten the substrate, after the appearance of a couple of leaves, the seedlings must be thinned out.
• After a couple of weeks, we dive the seedlings in separate pots, make sure that there are no stable drafts, two weeks before planting in the ground, we begin to harden.
• As soon as we can leave the seedlings in the hardening place for a day, they are ready for planting.

Growing Astrantia for seedlings

You can plant seedlings in open ground in early June.... The ideal place is partial shade, but Astrantia feels great both in open areas and in the shade. The soil is preferably loose, the place is not swampy. For very clayey soils: add a couple of buckets of humus and a bucket of sand to the plot with astrantia, for very sandy soils - only humus. In addition, there are no special preferences for the composition of the soil.

We make holes at a distance of 30-40 cm from each other, we deepen so that the plant is at the same level as in the pot. The land around the planted plant must be compacted and watered abundantly. Usually, such a plant begins to bloom in the 3rd year.

How to plant astrania

Flowers Astrantia Carniola Rubra planting and care

The negative experience of some gardeners shows that seeds do not always germinate, even with proper stratification (it must be done for purchased seeds, if the package does not indicate that the seeds are already stratified), and varietal characteristics are lost, therefore, a more correct way is division of the rhizome.

You can divide the Astrantia bush in the spring ...

before the start of the growing season, or in the fall, when the growing season comes to an end.

• We dig out a bush and carefully divide it into several parts. We plant each part separately, at a distance of 40-50 cm from each other, having previously seasoned the hole with rotted manure.
• The next season (or this one, if the division is in spring), young shoots will appear and the new plant will bloom in the third year. Only in this way can rare varieties be propagated.

Peat rhizomes can also be bought at a flower shop. And it doesn't matter if you come across such planting material in the middle of winter. Feel free to buy and start growing Astrantia at home.

We take an ordinary substrate for growing indoor plants, pots for seedlings or plastic cups of a suitable size, plant delenki of Astrantia, put them on a warm windowsill, water and wait for the sprouts. For better aeration of the soil, the earthen substrate can be supplemented with vermiculite, and for moisture control with a hydrogel.

The flower quickly releases the first leaves, even from the smallest pieces of rhizome

therefore, do not be alarmed if you come across small planting material.

As it warms, move the astrantia to the loggia or balcony along with the rest of the seedlings. If the glass with a young plant is transparent, then you will see how the root system develops, entwining an earthen ball. Astrantia does not like waterlogging, which means it needs to be watered when the soil in the cups is practically dry. Otherwise, there will be no hassle with this plant.

Just like the seedlings, we transfer the fortified stars into open ground at the beginning of June.
Also, cuttings of rhizomes can be planted immediately in open ground, after having fertilized it well, do not forget about watering, and in 3-4 weeks you will get a young bush. Not a lot of trouble.

How to care for Astrantia outdoors

Astrantia planting and care in the open field

The most interesting and pleasant part for the grower. In a normal, not very dry summer, care for Astrania is not necessary at all. In the usual mode, remove the weeds, after the rain, slightly loosen the soil and that's it. And in dry summers, Astrania easily tolerates drought. This plant is just a godsend for those summer residents who go to the country to rest: there is no need to take care of it, but it blooms all summer.

To continue flowering and prevent self-seeding, while walking around the country, pluck the faded inflorescences, and when the first flowering ends, then cut off all the peduncles, then the starlet will bloom again.

In very dry summers, watering once a week is indispensable.

Mulching the soil can help, the surface will not dry out so much, and there are fewer weeds.

Fertilizing Astrantia for the first three years is enough once a year, in the spring, before the start of the growing season - apply complex fertilizers. For bushes that grow more in one place, it is advisable to reapply potash-phosphorus fertilizers before the second flowering.

Slightly more difficult in the "wet" summer, Astrantia does not like overflow. It is necessary to loosen the soil, not allowing moisture to stagnate, sometimes tie up the plant.

Seed collection and wintering in astrania

Astrantia large photo

If you are interested in collecting seeds of Astrantia, then at the end of flowering, do not cut off the largest inflorescences from the bushes you like, but put them in gauze bags so that the ripe seeds do not fall out on the ground. Once completely dry, cut and place in a dry, well-ventilated area. When the seeds are dry, you need to peel them out of the husk, put them in a paper bag for storage.

Self-seeding of starfish is undesirable, therefore, we remove wilted inflorescences from the flower bed

It is recommended to cut off a beautiful bouquet and dry it, as astrantia stays dry for a very long time and will decorate your home in winter.

The starfish does not require special preparation for winter. For young bushes, it is advisable to cut off the ground part and cover with mulch. Adult bushes winter well and without shelter, although hardworking flower growers also shelter adult plants for insurance.

Astrantia grows comfortably in one place for up to 10 years, but it is better to plant it every 7 years, so it looks fresher and more luxuriant.

Astrania pests and diseases

Good news again. Zvezdovka is a very resistant plant. Only with prolonged overflow, oversight, can fungal diseases appear. They can be destroyed with one of the fungicides.
In the spring, let's pay attention to young leaves, as snails can eat them. Collect pests, you can use beer traps or special pellets.

Types and varieties of astrantia with photos

Consider the three most popular types of Astrantia:

Astrantia major

Astrantia large Astrantsia major photo

Tall plant (up to 70 cm), spreading (50 cm in diameter). Grows on the edges of mixed and coniferous forests in Central Europe, Ukraine, Moldova, European Russia, Belarus. In the original, the large star has light pink flowers with a wrapper of the same color, reaching 5 cm in diameter. It has been cultivated since the middle of the 16th century.

The following varieties have been bred:

Astrantia Moulin Rouge

Moulin rouge - inflorescences of a ruby ​​shade with very dark wrappers (it is recommended to plant in sunny areas, then the flowers become even more saturated);

Astrantia ruby ​​wedding

Ruby Wading - a plant up to 65 cm high with dark red flowers, loves partial shade more, has unusual palm-shaped leaves;

Astrantia large Claret

Claret - slightly lower - up to 55 cm, so it can be grown in a container, feels good in shade and partial shade, dark burgundy flowers with translucent wrapper leaves;

Astrantia Diva photo

Diva - there are no preferences for shade and sun, the flowers are also dark red, and the petals of the wrapper are lighter, grows up to 70 cm;

Astrantia Venice

Venice - again, pomegranate-colored inflorescences;

Abby Rowe - red astrantia, the wrappers are dark purple, and the flowers are lighter in tone, the flowers are small and there are a lot of them on the bush, prefers sunny places, blooms from June to August;

Headspan fornication - deep red flowers that bloom from late spring and all summer, a powerful plant, 70-80 cm high;

Lars - high astrantia (up to 70cm) with pale purple flowers that seem to glow in the dark, it can be called the most hardy astrantia;

Sunningdale Variegata - a variety with light lavender flowers, distinguished by its foliage: light streaks on the green background of the leaf;

Rosensimphony - pink inflorescences with wrappers one tone lighter, stems 70 cm high;

Astrantia pink rosea photo

Rozea - has flowers of a very bright saturated pink tone and spotted leaves;

Snowstar - white star - prefers shade, white flowers with greenish wrappers.

Buckland - the flowering period is from May to November, the color of the flowers is pink, and the pink bracts are quite large, which creates an unusual effect;
Shaggy - very delicate color of inflorescences - ivory with a light light green tint, blooms all summer.

Astransia maxima

Astrantia greatest Astransia maxima photo

This neat perennial came to us from the Caucasus, the height of the stems is up to 70 cm, the flowers are smaller (4.5 cm in diameter), the flowering period is August and September. The color of the inflorescences is pink, the wrapper is slightly reddish, the filmy leaves are 1 cm long. This plant thrives best in open areas, but it can grow under trees if the shade is not very thick.

Astrantia minor

Astrantia small Astrantia minor photo

You will think that the plant is not tall, but it reaches a meter in height, but the flowers are smaller (up to 3 cm). Leaves are three to seven-part, long-petiolate, there are many inflorescences, color is pale pink. Astrantia small prefers mountain air, native to the southern regions of Western Europe.

Astrantia carniolica (Astransia carniolica)

Astrantia Carniolica Astrantia Carniolica 'Rubra'

Perennial herb with palmate-separate opposite leaves, inflorescences in the original white.
The most famous variety:

Rubra - bloom from May to August, inflorescences are deep pink with wine-red wrappers, height reaches 70 cm, flowering continues from May to August.

Less common varieties:

• Astrantia Bieberstein;
• three-cut astrantia;
• astrania bavarian;
• Astrantia is hellebore.

The use of astrantia in landscape design

• In landscape design, Astrantia is most often used for flower beds, as well as for decorating the shady corners of the garden: under shrubs and trees.
• Smaller varieties can be successfully used for rock gardens and even near pools.
• A flower bed created from various varieties of a star will look original. The combination of openwork greenery of stars with bright summer flowers is an excellent example of creating a flower bed from flowering plants.
• The modest bushes of Astrantia evoke feelings of airiness, weightlessness: against the background of spreading leaves, the stars of the garden of white, pink, red colors soar. Lilies, small roses with large flowers, will be good neighbors for Astrantia.

Feel free to fantasize and create your masterpieces!

Every florist can grow a starlet. It will decorate the site well and will not require huge efforts to care for it. In the article we will tell you how the planting and caring for Astrantia is carried out, we will give recommendations on watering, feeding, lighting.

Reproduction and cultivation of astrantia by sowing in the ground

Astrantia is propagated by seeds for one simple reason. Plants that were sown by self-sowing do not fully retain varietal characteristics. Therefore, to maintain the characteristics of their favorite variety, growers grow Astrantia seedlings or sow seeds in the ground.

Sowing in the ground is carried out in the fall immediately after collecting the seeds.Spring seedlings are thinned out, leaving the required number of seedlings. When thinning, the distance between the plants is maintained at least 15-20 cm.When the seedlings grow up, they choose the strongest and healthiest ones, leaving 30-35 cm between them.

Sowing astrantia seeds for seedlings for a garden plot

Experienced growers do not allow Astrantia to multiply on a self-sowing site in order to fully preserve varietal characteristics. For growing seedlings, seeds must be stratified. This is done in a simplified way by placing the seed selected in the fall for 3 months in the refrigerator. The best option is a special box for vegetables.

Tip # 1. Carefully read the information on the packaging of purchased seeds. They are already stratified, which the manufacturer will definitely inform about.

Seeds are sown in prepared containers with soil and covered with a transparent film until seedlings emerge. Until they appear, the temperature is maintained in the range of 20-24ºC, and the cell does not need bright light yet. Astrantia seedlings are not too demanding for the composition of the soil mixture. The main thing is that the soil fertility is sufficient.

To preserve varietal traits, grow Astrantia seedlings, not allowing them to self-propagate.

Types of purchased soil for growing seedlings of astrania

Many summer residents use proven compositions of purchased soils, which save time and contain the necessary nutrients for plants.

Name of soil	Dignity	Flaws
"Polessky" for seedlings	Fine fraction that allows the seeds to be in close contact with the soil. Contains a complete set of nutritional ingredients for astrania. Non-toxic. Different volumes of soil are on sale.	Loses quality when exposed to direct sunlight.
Eco plus Peatfield	Fully provides plants with a complex of nutrients in an accessible form. Absence of pathogenic flora. Natural ingredients. Does not contain pests.	Do not let dry.
Substrate "Royal Mix" with coconut fiber (option for flowering garden plants)	Contains coconut fiber to improve soil quality. High aeration properties. Contains an antibacterial additive.	Do not use on plants growing in acidic soil.
"Rich Land" for blooming	Prolonged action of mineral components. Loose breathable structure Optimal selection of components for good seedling development.	Explicit not identified

Home care for seedlings of astrania

As soon as the seedlings appear above the ground, the cover is removed. Now the containers are transferred to where there is more light. After 10-14 days, the seedlings will have to be thinned out, leaving stronger seedlings. The second reason is to maintain a sufficient distance between them for growth.

In the initial period, care consists in:

1. Watering. The need for watering is determined by the degree of drying of the ground surface. It is not worth overfilling the seedlings, this will lead to illness and decay of the stems.
2. Loosening. This procedure is carried out in order to increase the air permeability of the soil. But, they do it carefully so as not to damage the delicate roots. Read also the article: → "Why is it necessary to loosen the soil around plants and in indoor pots."
3. Airing. Airing begins after two weeks. The main thing is to prevent drafts that are detrimental to the seedlings of Astrantia. As well as seedlings of other plants, the seedlings of Astrantia dive.

Diving Astrantia seedlings at home

As soon as the first pair of real leaves appear on the seedlings, they are dived into separate pots.

Tip # 2 Fill the prepared container for transplanting with a soil mixture identical to the one in which the seeds of Astrantia were sown.

For each seedling, a depression is made in the soil and the root system is carefully placed into it. It is necessary to slightly deepen the stem to help the formation of new lateral roots. After picking, astrantia seedlings will need:

1. Watering. Moderate enough, but regular.Make sure that the surface of the earth does not dry out, but it is not waterlogged either.
2. Loosening. Provides air access to the delicate roots and allows the seedlings to develop faster. Loosening is carried out very carefully, trying not to harm the plants.
3. Hardening. The stage begins 10 days before disembarkation under the open sky. Every day, the seedlings are taken out to the balcony or terrace. In apartments without such an opportunity, windows are opened, giving the seedlings to the ambient temperature. The duration of the "walk" is constantly increased in order to prepare the Astrantia seedlings for life in the open field.

Flowering with this method of cultivation begins at the age of three. As soon as the seedlings begin to tolerate fresh air well during the day, prepare a place for a flower bed on the site. Read also the article: → "Making flower beds at their summer cottage."

Planting seedlings of Astrantia in open ground at their summer cottage

When to transplant perennial seedlings for permanent residence depends on the region in which they are grown. You need to take into account the climatic conditions, but the last week of May is considered the optimal time to start disembarking. And the end of the transplant is not delayed later than half of June.

To plant a perennial beauty in the garden, you will need to prepare an area with fertile and moist soil. The flower does not impose overestimated requirements for its composition, but organic matter is needed for astrantia. When planting in poor soil, add compost or humus. It is best to find a place with loamy or sandy loam soil in the country.

Heavy loamy soils require thorough preparation. Dig holes 40x40 at a distance of 30 cm from each other, add humus, sod earth and sand (2: 2: 1), mix and only then plant a starfish. The seedlings are placed in a hole, slightly compact the earth around the stem, and watered abundantly.

Maintain a distance between the bushes so that the mature plants do not shade each other.

Growing a garden starlet in a vegetative way

Habitual reproduction in shifts does not allow the exact preservation of maternal traits in plants. A method of dividing a bush or rhizomes comes to the rescue. This is important when propagating a rare or hybrid Astrantia variety. And in garden stores, you can also buy rhizome cuttings. When buying, pay attention to their condition. The root should be:

• healthy in appearance;
• free from damage and stains of putrefactive origin;
• elastic to the touch;
• no signs of disease.

The procedure is carried out in early spring, it is important that the plant does not have leaves. When dividing the root, it is dug up and divided into parts. The parts are placed in a prepared planting pit - the mother plant. Before planting, fertilize the soil well with humus. Watering is carried out moderately so that the top layer of the earth does not dry out. Delenki sprout in a month, the next year the plants are strengthened, and on the third Astrantia blooms.

Diseases and pests of the garden star, control and prevention measures

Astrantia's resistance to diseases and pests is great. The main activities that need to be carried out by a florist are preventive. Namely, violation of the rules of agricultural technology, most often, leads to the appearance of diseases on the plant. Fungal diseases (rot) are manifested when:

• excessive watering;
• thickening of landings.

Snails and slugs are pests that are dangerous for astrania in the garden. They eat up the foliage and the decorativeness of the starfish is reduced. Read also the article: → "How to get rid of snails and slugs in the country: a selection of methods and tips."

Problem name	Remedies
Rot	In this case, the damaged plants will have to be removed. The remaining stems are sprayed with preparations of fungicidal action - "Fundazol", "Topaz". The solution is prepared according to the instructions, then spraying and root watering are carried out.
Snails	To protect the plant from the invasion of these parasites, you need: collect them by hand and destroy; set up slug traps; build mechanical obstacles for pests (brick chips, dusting); treat the plants with the "Thunder" preparation, according to the instructions (in case of a strong invasion).
Slugs	The methods are similar to those for fighting snails.

Provide the starlet with reliable protection from pests - timely prevent snails and slugs.

Caring for a garden star in a summer cottage

The list of activities includes the usual actions for the gardener:

• Watering. Needed for astrania in the dry season 1 time per week. When precipitation falls regularly, you need to look at the degree of moisture in the earth. When the soil dries up, watering is resumed. Otherwise, the decorativeness of the plant is reduced.
• Loosening. Good after watering to give the roots access to air.
• Mulching. Required for young bushes. Spring or autumn mulching can be carried out. Organic materials and decorative chips, wood chips, bark are suitable. In addition, they will save the plant from the invasion of slugs and snails.

Mulch young plants wisely to protect Astrantia from drying out and disease.

• Top dressing. Spring is the optimal time for applying complex mineral fertilizers. If the soil on the site is poor and not fertile, then you will have to add phosphorus-potassium compounds at the end of summer or in autumn (only in the third year of cultivation!).

Astrantia and other plants combined for landscape design of the site

Zvezdovka is a popular element in the design of rock gardens. A small root system allows the plant to bloom in a confined space. The frost resistance of starfish allows it to be included in long-flowering compositions.

Combine Astrantia planting with other plants to decorate the site

Plants perfectly tolerate partial shade, which helps designers when decorating shady corners of the garden. In combination with bells, hosts, loosestrife, astilbe, ferns and stonecrop, it allows you to create a composition against the background of conifers, rocky gardens, in paving openings.

In the cut, it decorates compositions for a very long time. Valued in landscape design for:

• unpretentiousness;
• endurance;
• good growth rate;
• ease of reproduction.

Varieties of garden astrantia for a summer cottage

Among the variety of species, the most popular with gardeners are:

Variety name	Peculiarities	List of varieties
Large	Sprawling bush. Plant height 0.7 m The inflorescences are beautiful, 5 cm in diameter.	Ruby Wedding, Rosea, Moulin Rouge, Snowstar, Diva, Sunningdale Variegata, Florence.
Small	Inflorescences are small, up to 3 cm in diameter, pale pink in color. The foliage is openwork. The height of an adult plant is about 1 m. Blooms during the summer.	Astrantia minor
Karniolskaya	The characteristic shape of the leaves is finger-split. Perennial.	Rubra.
The greatest	The bush is compact, height 0.5 - 0.7 m. Tripartite leaf, dense foliage. Flowering time is late summer and September.	Rosea, Astrantia maxima

Gardeners' mistakes when growing astrantia garden

• They allow the plant to propagate exclusively by self-sowing, which leads to the loss of varietal traits.
• Astrantia is grown only in the shade. In this case, the color of the flowers becomes faded.

For growing in the shade, you need to choose varieties with a bright color of inflorescences, so as not to reduce the decorative effect of the plant.

• Stop watering the plant, which stops flowering.
• Astrantia is overfed with organic matter or mineral fertilizers. The growth of green mass increases, and flowering stops.

Questions of summer residents on growing astrania on plots

Question number 1. Why is the removal of faded flowers required? Is it possible to leave them if there is no time for this action.

Timely removal of inflorescences prevents the starlet from scattering seeds. This will help in the future not to pull out unnecessary plants. The second benefit is that the flowering period is lengthened.

Question number 2. My starlet has stopped blooming. What to do?

Find out the reason first. This can come from:

1. Untimely removal of faded peduncles. Examine the plant and cut off the peduncles with a pruner.
2. Overdose of fertilizers, which leads to the growth of green mass. Stop feeding the plant.
3. Damage by pests or diseases. Remove damaged bushes and treat plants and root zone.

Question number 3. When is the best time to divide the Astrantia bush?

This is done before the start of the growing season in the spring or after cutting the tops in the fall. Dig in the bush and divide it into parts. It is important to do this so that 3 growth buds remain on the rhizome on each division.

Question number 4. Astrantia bushes have been growing in one place for more than 5 years. Decorativeness has noticeably decreased. How to fix the situation?

After 5 years, a rejuvenating perennial transplant is required. The bush is divided and transplanted to a new place, choosing strong parts.

Question number 5. Do I need to shelter a starlet for the winter?

Only young plants. For the rest, it is enough to cut off the above-ground part, leaving 2-3 cm above the ground.

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Astrantia, or Zvezdovka (Astrāntia) is a perennial plant from the extensive umbrella family (Apiaceae), not rich in decorative species. The genus includes several dozen species that grow in Central and Southern Europe, Asia Minor and the Caucasus - in deciduous forests at the edges and glades, in subalpine meadows. In culture, the most famous Astrantia is large (Astrantia major) and astrania is the largest (Astrantia maxima), other species are much less common: Astrantia Bieberstein, Astrantia Colchis, Astrantia Ossetian, Astrantia Pontic, Astrantia three-cut.

Astrantia is large, or Zvezdovka is large

Growing Astrantia in the open field

All Astrances are extremely unpretentious, they are distinguished by unique plasticity. They can grow on almost any soil, but on loose, sufficiently nutritious and moist soils, they form more powerful bushes. They feel good both in the sun and in partial shade, they can exist even in full shade, although in such places they bloom more modestly.

Astrantia are well adapted to life under trees - where not all perennial plants can live. Among perennials, Astrantia is one of the champions in flowering duration, blooms all summer, in addition, its inflorescences are an excellent cut.

The culture is practically not damaged by pests and diseases, it is very cold-resistant. The bushes grow quickly, forming dense clumps in 3-4 years, while without transplanting they can grow in one place for 10-12 years or more, without losing their decorative effect. In addition, astrantia is also a wonderful honey plant.

Astrantia leaves are large, deeply cut, decorative throughout the season. What is commonly called a flower is actually an inflorescence - an umbrella, consisting of a mass of small flowers, surrounded by leaves of a wrapper. Flowers and wrappers of astrantia can be painted in the same color, but more often they differ in tone, which gives the plant additional attractiveness.

Astrantia major, or Zvezdovka large (Astrantia major)

Planting and breeding astrania

Astrantia reproduces well by seeds that sprout after stratification within 3-5 weeks. Seedlings appear quite amicably and grow very quickly. Varietal plants are propagated by dividing overgrown bushes or by cuttings — for this they use basal rosettes, which take root very quickly, and literally in 3-4 weeks they can be planted in a pound.

All varietal plants are good at tying full-fledged seeds, which can be used for sowing and obtaining plants, albeit not repeating the parental characteristics, but also interesting.

Popular varieties of astrania

Astrantia has long been known to our flower growers, but, despite its many advantages, unfortunately, it is not very popular. Garden designers are not very fond of her either.But this flower deserves more attention, and Western florists and designers have long appreciated the unconditional merits of Astrantia and widely use it in landscaping. It is no coincidence that the breeders of the Old and New World are so actively engaged in the improvement of this culture.

If relatively recently in the arsenal of flower growers there were only two original forms - Astrantia is large and the largest, and literally 2-3 garden forms, now the floricultural market offers more than a dozen varieties of this culture. New interesting forms appear every year.

Astrantia, or Zvezdovka ‘Claret’

Astrantia ‘Abbey Road‘ - variety with large reddish-purple inflorescences with dark purple wrappers. Height 45-60 cm blooms from mid to late summer. Prefers semi-shady places, but can grow in sunny places, provided that they are sufficiently moist. The plant is bright, juicy, expressive, a godsend for shady corners of the garden.

Astrantia 'Buckland' - a variety with pale pink inflorescences against a background of silvery-green wrappers. Blooms from June to September. Plant height 65-70 cm. Grows in the sun and in partial shade.

Astrantia 'Claret' - a variety with wine-red inflorescences with transparent wrappers of the same color. Height is about 50-55 cm. It blooms for a very long time, from June to the end of September. Looks very nice in large groups under the trees. Prefers semi-shady and shady places. Can be grown as a container crop.

Astrantia large, or Zvezdovka large ‘Hadspen Blood’

Astrantia 'Hadspen Blood' - the variety is powerful, tall (75-80 cm), blood-red inflorescences. Differs in very long flowering - from late spring to late summer. Prefers light shade.

Astrantia ‘Lars’ - a variety with dark red inflorescences with lighter wrappers. Blooms from June to late September. Prefers light shade. Height 55-70 cm.

Astrantia ‘Moulin Rouge’ - a variety with inflorescences of a unique dark wine-red tone, the wrapper is even darker, almost black. Blooms from early to late summer. It can grow both in an open sunny place and in partial shade. In the shade, the color of the flowers becomes weaker.

Astrantia ‘Moulin Rouge’

Astrantia 'Primadonna' - a variety with dark red inflorescences, the wrappers are lighter. Flowering begins in June and lasts all summer. Height about 70 cm. Can grow with equal success in the sun and in partial shade.

Astrantia ‘Roma’ - a variety with silvery pink inflorescences and lighter wrappers. It blooms from the beginning to the end of the pet. Height about 70 cm. Prefers moderate shade.

Astrantia ‘Rosea’ - a variety with rich pink inflorescences and wrappers of the same color. Blooms from early summer to mid - late September. Height about 70 cm. Grows both in the sun and in partial shade.

Astrantia ‘Shaggy (Margery Fish)’ - a variety with ivory-colored inflorescences with a slightly noticeable green tint. Blooms almost all summer. Height 75-80 cm.

Astrantia ‘Symphony (Rosensimfonie)’ - a variety with pink inflorescences with pale pink wrappers. Height about 75 cm. Prefers moderate shade.

Astrantia ‘Rubra’ - a variety with inflorescences of deep pink color, turning into wine-red, wrappers of the same tone. Height is about 70 cm. It blooms from late spring to late summer.

Astrantia ‘Ruby Wedding’ - variety with dark red inflorescences. They bloom in early summer, flowering lasts until early autumn. Height 55–65 cm. Prefers moderate shade.

Astrantia ‘Lars’

Astrantia ‘Snowstar’ - an unusual variety with almost white inflorescences. The wrappers are also white with a slight greenish tinge. Height 55-70 cm grows best in moderate partial shade and shade.

Astrantia ‘Sunningdale Variegated’ - the first grade with variegated leaves: cream and golden yellow strokes on a green background. Inflorescences are light lavender. Blooms from early summer. Height about 60 cm.

A bright star, rolling down from the sky, broke into thousands of sparkling pieces that turned into radiant flowers. The article will acquaint you with the simple rules for planting Astrantia in the open field. You will learn how to properly grow this crop so that the summer cottage will delight the eye for as long as possible.

Astrantia: varieties and varieties

Astrantia (starfish, starworm) is common in nature in Europe, Asia Minor, in the foothills of the Caucasus. It is a perennial plant with a herbaceous stem and a powerful rhizome.The height of various plant varieties varies from 15 to 90 cm. The toothed leaves hardly grow on the stem. Small nondescript flowers of the star are collected in inflorescences that resemble dill umbrellas. Astrantia belongs to the botanical family of the umbrella; the family includes up to 40 species.

Astrantia is one of the few plants that practically does not need care.

Planting and caring for this flower culture is so simple that even a novice florist can do it. Astrantia grows well in sunny places, puts up with partial shade, rare watering and untimely feeding. An unpretentious perennial decorates the garden, requiring a minimum of attention.

In gardens and parks, you can most often find perennial bushes of Astrantia of two varieties: Astrantia is large and the greatest.

Astrantia is large

The first variety of Astrantia, reaching a height of 70 cm, with pale pastel colors that bloom in the middle of summer and delight with their flowering for almost a month and a half. The largest varieties of Astrantia are rare, this species is common in the Caucasus. It blooms for over 30 days at the end of the summer season, capturing the beginning of autumn.

Astrantia is the largest

Photos of astrania of different varieties emphasize the delicate sophistication of unpretentious perennial plants.

Astrantia landing

Growing Astrantia outdoors is straightforward. Even an inexperienced grower will not make mistakes when growing this plant. With a high need for sunlight, the starlet can put up with partial shade for a long time, grow well and bloom with a lack of light. With sufficient light, the flowers of Astrantia are painted in bright colors, in partial shade the petals of the flower fade, but do not lose their delicate attractiveness.

Astrantia can thrive well in partial shade

The soil for growing starfish requires light and fertile. Due to the fact that the root system of the plant is small, Astrantia is suitable for growing in rock gardens.

Plant care

Caring for Astrantia in the open field is reduced to dosed periodic watering, loosening the soil and timely top dressing. Loosening of the soil around the roots of a perennial should be carried out as carefully as possible so as not to damage the delicate root system. Watering the plant should be carried out periodically, preventing the soil from drying out in the beds, but without overflow.

Advice! For the long flowering of Astrantia, it is necessary to cut out the faded peduncles in a timely manner.

In winter, caring for Astrantia consists in warming the bushes wintering in the open ground with spruce branches. In early spring, with the onset of warmth, spruce branches should be removed, preventing the bushes from drying out.

It is important to regularly loosen the soil so that the roots of Astrantia receive oxygen

Fertilizing and feeding astrania

The cultivation of Astrantia requires fertilization. It is recommended to apply complex fertilizer once in spring, then flowering will last longer.

Perennial plants in the open field can be sprayed with a solution of microelements, applying foliar dressing along the green foliage. When planting astrantia in the ground, you can apply phosphorus fertilizers of prolonged action.

Reproduction of Astrantia

Vegetative propagation of Astrantia is no different from the division of any perennial plants. The culture tolerates the division of the bush very well, especially in spring, but the division of perennial bushes of Astrantia in late autumn is often practiced. The mother bush of Astrantia, when separating the layers, rejuvenates, the next season it blooms more magnificently.

The easiest way to reproduce astrantia is to divide the bush.

Advice. Astrantia should be planted only with fresh cuttings, then the plant takes root more easily and develops better.

The seeds of astrantia are sown directly into the ground in a permanent place, which is assigned to the plant. Sowing seeds is done in the fall, in pre-prepared beds.

Diseases and pests

Zvezdovka is a very hardy plant, practically not damaged by pests and rarely gets sick. Sometimes the bushes are attacked by naked slugs, which devour the leaves. Astrantia, eaten by slugs, loses its attractiveness and decorativeness. If these pests are found on flowers, they must be manually collected and destroyed. It is possible to use the preparation "Thunder" to protect astrantia from naked slugs.

Slug

Sometimes the plant suffers from waterlogging, especially on heavy acidic soils. Treatment is reduced to orderly watering and timely loosening of the soil around the flower.

Astrantia: combination with other plants

In the flower beds of continuous flowering, Astrantia gets along well with other perennial flower crops. The combination of openwork leaves of Astrania with bright annuals is an excellent example of creating a flower bed from flowering plants. Planting a star of different varieties on the lawn in the form of a separate flower bed looks very interesting. Growing astrantia against the background of ornamental deciduous shrubs perfectly complements the landscape interior of parks or squares.

Astrantia in the flower garden

In landscape design, Astrantia is most often used for flower beds, ridges, mixborders from perennial plants. Considering that the plant is quite undemanding to the conditions of detention, the starlet is planted in partial shade, under shrubs and trees, to give decorative compositions in landscape design.

Low-growing varieties of Astrantia are used in landscape design for planting in rock gardens, in rocky gardens and near pools.

Astrantia in a country flowerbed: video

Varieties and types of astrantia: photos