Garden flower astrantia. Astrantia large herbaceous plants for open ground

By removing faded inflorescences, the plant is able to bloom again, delighting others with an abundance of lush umbrella inflorescences throughout the warm season. Astrantia has a number of valuable qualities and advantages: a long flowering period, endurance and vitality, ease of planting and minimal maintenance, adaptability to any terrain.

The article will introduce you to all the features of growing this charming crop, varietal diversity, planting rules and other agrotechnical methods of perennial cultivation.

Astrantia, plant description

• A herbaceous perennial plant of the Umbrella family, Astrantia, also has such a memorable name as Zvezdovka. In everyday life, it is often called simply - "Asterisk". This is due to the original form of astrantia flowers, resembling small stars.

• The plant is widely distributed throughout Europe, the Caucasus and South Asia. Due to the unpretentiousness, endurance and extraordinary decorativeness of the inflorescences, the plant has been actively cultivated in many countries since the 16th century.
• The stem of the culture is erect, thin, of different heights (depending on the species, 15 - 90 cm). Astrantia bush - little leafy, but sprawling.
• The large leaves of the perennial are pinnate and palmately dissected, attached to the stems with long petioles. At the base of the stem, the leaves are collected in a basal rosette, often highly decorative due to shape and color.

• The rhizome of the perennial is quite powerful, but compact.
• Astrantia flowers are collected in numerous small inflorescences of simple umbrellas, characteristic of the entire Umbelliferae family. Umbrellas, in turn, are assembled into rosettes with wrapping leaves resembling flower petals. The color of the petals is usually pale pink. Although, breeders have bred many species with white, red, purple shades of flowers. The color of the wrapper sheets may also vary, depending on the variety.

• The fruit of the plant is represented by a two-seed.
• One of the main advantages of astrantia is a long flowering period, from June-August until the very first frost.

Astrantia, varieties and species

There are about 11 plant species of this genus. Two species are considered the most common and decorative: large astrantia (Astrantia major) and largest astrantia (Astrantia maxima).

Much less frequently cultivated are species such as Bieberstein's astrantia, Ossetian astrantia, Colchis astrantia, three-cut astrantia, small astrantia, Pontic astrantia, etc.

• Astrantia large is a sprawling bush, about 70-80 cm high, densely strewn with flowers of various shades. Blooms from July to September. The species is considered endangered and is listed in the Red Book.

• Astrantia is the most common in the Caucasus, blooms for 1-1.5 months, from late summer to early autumn. Bushes of this type of starfish look very impressive: compact and blooming profusely. The shape of the inflorescences with stipules resembles a chamomile, the color scheme is varied.

The most popular varieties of astrantia are:

• The Lars variety is distinguished by tall bushes and bright pink inflorescences with light wrappers shading them. Drought tolerant and hardy variety.
• The Moulin Rouge is distinguished by flowers, raspberry-wine shades and even darker leaf wrappers. The height of the bush reaches no more than 60 cm. The variety is frost-resistant.
• Variety Sunningdale Variegata has original pale pink flowers, (greenish), with large bracts and decoratively colored foliage. Unpretentious, frost and drought-resistant variety. Plant height about 70 cm.
• The Star of Beauty variety is distinguished by rich burgundy colors of inflorescences with a snow-white core and large spectacular bracts. The height of the bush is on average 60-80 cm.
• Variety Florence is characterized by decoratively colored foliage (bluish purple hues) and inflorescences of pink tones. The undersized compact bush reaches a height of no more than 50-60 cm.
• Rosen Symphony is a little leafy, but blooming profusely. Small bright pink flowers densely “stick around” the entire astrantia bush and create the effect of a real carpet of inflorescences.
• Variety Princess Maxi has pink flowers, collected in 20-30 pieces. into large rosettes of inflorescences.
• Variety Princess Sturdza is distinguished by the largest, in size, flowers - up to 5 cm.
• Variety Ruby Wading (Ruby wedding) became famous for its exquisite, rich beetroot color, inflorescences. The variety is undersized (up to 50-60 cm), with a long flowering period.

You can buy one or another variety of astrantia in specialized flower shops, at sales exhibitions or in nurseries, for example, in a botanical garden.

Only certified outlets will be able to guarantee compliance with the required grade when selling.

Reproduction of astrantia

They practice vegetative and generative methods of propagation of astrantia. As you know, if you need to get exact copy mother plant, use vegetative methods of reproduction. Part of the plant is completely preserved morphological features parent individual. The seed method of reproduction does not guarantee the preservation of the original characteristics of the mother plant.

Vegetative propagation of astrantia

• This method involves dividing the bush into parts, carried out in the spring (before the leaves appear) or in late autumn (after the foliage has fallen). Gardeners note the positive rejuvenation of the parent bush after separation: it becomes more magnificent and blooms more abundantly. When dividing the bush, delenki quickly and easily take root in a new place. To preserve the decorative effect, starfish bushes require transplantation and renewal every 6-7 years. You can also separate small basal rosettes from the bush, which also take root quickly.
• Reproduction of astrantia is also practiced by dividing the rhizome of the plant. Small pieces are separated from the rhizome, which are planted in a fertile nutrient mixture. The division is carried out in early spring before the start of the growing season. About a month later, the first shoots appear from parts of the rhizome. It will take about two years for the plant to grow green mass, and only in the 3rd year, astrantia will please with flowering.

Propagation of astrantia by seeds

• Sowing seeds ( current year) is carried out in the fall in open ground to a proposed permanent place. The collected seeds, sown before winter, undergo natural stratification (hardening), which has a positive effect on the endurance of the future plant.
• To collect the seeds, ripened fruits are selected, cut off along with the shoot and hung in a dry, dark place for final ripening. Opening, seeds are poured out of a two-seed box, ready for planting.
• Acquired seed is sown, as a rule, in early spring.
• The germination rate of self-collected seeds, on average, is about 50%. Purchased seeds have higher germination rates.
• The first shoots appear after 2-3 weeks after sowing. Seedlings must be thinned out at the rate of: 10 cm between plants preparing for planting and at least 30 cm when planting in a permanent place.
• Astrantia reproduces well by self-sowing. This is important to take into account when forming the landscape of the flower bed and, if the growth of the perennial is not desirable, the inflorescences should be removed in time (until the seeds ripen).

Astrantia, landing technology

Growing astrantia does not require special skills and will be within the power of anyone, even a novice grower.

• Location selection

For a perennial, an open sunny place or light partial shade is ideal. How more sun culture will get, the brighter and richer the color of its inflorescences will be. The compact rhizome of the culture does not require a deep fertile soil layer, it is enough to provide loose and nutritious soil of a small area. Special preliminary preparation for fertilizing a piece of land is not at all necessary. It is not advisable to plant perennials on sandy soils. The best option is loamy and sandy loose soil.

• Planting agrotechnics

The plant is planted both in groups (along the paths, for example) and in single crops in a flower bed. In this regard, the distance between plants also withstand different (from 30 cm and more). Planting astrantia does not require special tricks or features. When planting part of the plant bush, a delenka is placed in the hole, covered with soil to the level of basal rosettes, the soil is slightly compacted and watered abundantly. The bushes grow quite quickly and, planted nearby, already in the 2nd year of life, form dense thickets.

Given the high cold resistance of the plant, astrantia does not require preliminary cultivation by seedlings.

Astrantia, plant care

Given the unpretentiousness of astrantia grown in open ground care is reduced to minimal agrotechnical measures. It is enough to provide the culture with dosed watering, loosening and pruning of faded peduncles. Let us consider in more detail the features of caring for perennials.

Watering astrantia

• Astrantia is a drought-resistant plant that practically does not need additional watering.
• Only in conditions of long, dry summer period, you can water the plant to ensure a long and abundant flowering of the bush.
• In addition, if the grower wants to achieve a repeated stage of perennial flowering, you should add astrantia bushes more often (once a week), while maintaining a constant light soil moisture. There is no clear schedule for watering the starfish.
• Particular attention should also be paid to watering in the period after planting the plant. For better rooting, it is important to ensure abundant deep watering of the delenok.
• To preserve soil moisture, it is better to mulch the soil under the bushes.

Loosening astrantia

• Loosening provides maximum access of air to the soil, which has a beneficial effect on the development of the plant.
• Loosen the soil carefully, not too deep, so as not to damage the root system of astrantia.
• It is especially important to carry out loosening after rains or irrigation, which "clog" and compact the soil layer.

Top dressing astrantia and fertilization

• Unpretentious astrantia does well without additional dressings and fertilizers, in the conditions of the original fertile and nutritious soil.
• With scarce and poor soils, it is possible to feed the crop with complex mineral fertilizers once (in the spring). Such moderate top dressing will contribute to a longer flowering period of astrantia.
• You should not fertilize the culture more often. This can lead to an increase in the green mass of the bush, while flowering will be significantly reduced.
• Fertilizers are best applied in liquid form, followed by watering.
• If the plant has been growing in one place for more than 4 years, add another, phosphorus-potassium, top dressing. These long-acting fertilizers are introduced into the soil at the end of summer.

Pruning peduncles

• Timely pruning of astrantia peduncles stimulates the subsequent duration of perennial flowering.
• Constant removal of wilted inflorescences helps to prolong the flowering period of the starburst. And a complete cut of peduncles after the first wave of flowering contributes to the second stage, even more magnificent, flowering. At the same time, it is important to ensure regular watering of the plant.
• Pruning peduncles also helps to form beautiful, dense, uniform and symmetrical bushes.
• Experienced flower growers recommend removing the first flowering shoots that appear, which will allow for the development of more subsequent flower stalks.
• Timely removal of wilted inflorescences will also prevent chaotic self-seeding of the plant.

Astrantia pest and disease control

• Hardy astrantias are resistant to diseases and are rarely attacked by pests.
• Their only enemy naked slugs. When they hit the bushes, they begin to eat the foliage, so they are collected and destroyed. In case of mass attacks, a special drug "Thunder" or wood ash is used.
• For the prevention of diseases, the basic rules of agricultural technology should be observed: do not fill the plant with water and loosen the soil in a timely manner. Stagnation of moisture can lead to rotting of the roots and death of the entire bush.

Preparing astrantia for winter

• Winter-hardy plant, astrantia perfectly tolerates cold winters. middle lane Russia, therefore, does not need special shelters. In late autumn, all the shoots of the plant are cut off at the root, and the soil around the bushes is mulched with humus or dry foliage.
• The exception is planted young and not yet strong astrantia bushes. They are covered with spruce branches or sawdust, which are removed in early spring, in order to avoid rotting of the bushes.

Astrantia transplant

• The perennial grows in one place from 6 to 10 years and "does not like" transplants.
• A beneficial rejuvenating effect is exerted on the plant by its partial separation. Delenki are planted in a new place, and the parent bush with new force increases the green mass.

The need for supports

• With an abundance of precipitation, high shoots, including flower stalks, can bend and break off. In such cases, you need to provide the bush with additional support.

Astrantia in landscape design

• Astrantia fits perfectly into any corner of the garden or flower bed, combined with many flower plants. Decorative openwork foliage emphasizes any summer flowers, and lush umbrella inflorescences favorably set off shrubs and conifers.
• Planted in groups, dense and dense perennial bushes will ideally decorate the borders of the square or garden paths.

• In landscape design, the star is planted in the central flower beds, as well as ridges and mixborders.
• A hardy and unpretentious perennial is often combined with many bright plants: lilies, irises, poppies, bluebells, gladiolus, geraniums, etc.
• Planting astrantia bushes with a variety of cereal plants became the favorite compositions of landscape gardening designers.
• The asterisk is widely used for cutting into bouquets: it retains freshness for a long time and gives compositions special tenderness and lightness.

• Peduncles are also used as dried flowers for making winter bouquets.

Summing up, we note the main advantages of growing perennial astrantia:

• Unpretentiousness and endurance allows you to grow a crop with a minimum of attention and labor costs.
• A long flowering period, excellent material for cutting and a spectacular decorative appearance of astrantia bushes have won the favor and affection of many flower growers in the world.
• Winter hardiness, drought resistance and resistance to diseases and pests are important qualities for a garden plant.
• Growing in one place for up to 10 years, young astrantia bushes gain a dense green mass already 3-4 years after planting.
• An excellent honey plant and an integral element of many landscape designs, astrantia will easily fit into the composition of any flower bed or garden.

Astrantia, photo

Video: "Astrantia, planting and care features"

Astrantia is large, delicate flowers of which rise on "wire" stems above deep-lobed openwork leaves, will decorate any garden, delighting the eye from May to September. Together with others ornamental plants This brooch-like rainbow flower will transform the yard into a cozy space to relax. The variety of varieties, resistance to diseases and pests, minimal care - all this attracts gardeners to astrantia: amateurs and professionals.

Astrantia (zvezdovka) from the Umbrella family (Apiaceae) owes its name to Greek word"aste" is a star. An extraordinary spherical flower is a favorite of English gardens, in which it has been cultivated since the 16th century. It is the British Isles that he owes his world fame to. Some names of varieties are also reminiscent of England: “Melancholy Gentleman”, “Hatti's Pillow”, “Sunningdale”.

In nature, this plant is widely distributed in Southern Europe (Pyrenees, Carpathians, Balkans), in the Caucasus, Asia Minor, countries of Central and South America. Large astrantia can be seen in Ukraine, in the Baltic states, in the west of the European part of Russia. About 10 species of perennial starfish filled forest glades, banks of water bodies, mountain meadows and pastures at an altitude of 100-2300 m above sea level.

Astrantia large (major) reaches 45-60 cm in height. Its basal leaves have a long petiole 10-20 cm, 3-7 petals and serrated segments 8-15 cm in size. They are lanceolate with a three-lobed apex and are very attractive even after flowering has ended. Bracts are numerous (up to 20), 10-18 mm long, reddish (or white) with a pointed apex.

The stem is like a wire - hard, straight and bare - but a few leaves sometimes decorate it. The upper part of the stem before the flowers bloom resembles a pointed bead. The inflorescence has the shape of an umbrella with a diameter of 2-5 cm. There are only 5 petals, they are white (or slightly reddened), there are also 5 stamens, but they are much longer. Astrantia blooms from May to October.

A flower grows on various soils, but prefers calcareous ones. It is advisable not to use sandy ones. By its nature, starfish is hardy and durable, but in its natural environment it is on the verge of extinction, therefore it is listed in the Red Book in a number of countries.

Favorite varieties of gardeners

Most breeding varieties are painted in colors that are difficult to find in this species in nature. The color range varies from pink to dark purple and burgundy shades:

• pink - "Roma" with intensely colored petals, "Buckland" with greenish-pink, "Hidcote Shaggy Hybrid" with pale pink inflorescences;
• white - "Orlando", "Super Star", "Star Royals" with pink tint the underside of the petals;
• green - "Madeleine" with almost completely green petals, but with the presence of white;
• purple-burgundy - "Ruby Wedding", "Shaggy", "Glebe Cottage" with dark, almost black stems.

The most popular are dark tones, such as burgundy "Claret", "Moulin Rouge" with a hint of red wine and almost black bracts.

Most resistant variety considered "Lars" and a chameleon plant "Princess Sturdz" with very large flowers that change white color to pink. Very beautiful "Rosensymphonie". Its bushes are literally strewn with pink flowers with a silvery sheen.

When there are no flowers on the astrantia bush, they are successfully replaced by openwork leaves. Particularly good are variegated (variegated) varieties, such as "Sunningdale" with lavender-colored umbrellas, named after a famous English village in the Royal Borough of Windsor.

Many varieties bloom beautifully in shade and partial shade, but they become especially bright in the sun.

Breeding methods

When planning the placement of astrantia, planting and caring for it, first of all, pay attention to the soil. Choose a sunny area (or penumbra) with an alkaline pH, seasoned with well-rotted manure in the fall, or enrich the soil with compost in the spring.

Astrantia suitable soil is fertile, rich in humus, moist. The sun, shade, soil for a flower matter, but the requirements for them are not as categorical as for moisture. And although the starfish is classified as a hardy plant, it does not tolerate prolonged heat and lack of watering. Therefore, before planting, the soil must be moistened.

In spring and autumn, astrantia bushes, like many herbaceous perennials, can be planted by cutting into pieces. The divisions are placed after 40-50 cm, after pouring humus into the hole. Planted flowers should be mulched with a 5 cm layer of compost.

When dividing the rhizomes, some of the roots are inevitably damaged. It takes time for the plants to get sick and take root. In a year they will turn into beautiful green bushes, but they will bloom only after 3. This reproduction method will preserve the varietal characteristics of the plant.

Astrantia is characterized by reproduction by self-seeding. But this method may not preserve the uniqueness of the variety, since the flower is easily pollinated. Reproduction by seeds provides for their collection from pre-planned full-fledged inflorescences and planting in the ground before winter in November or early spring in seedlings. The seeds placed in the ground will undergo natural stratification, and spring sowing will have to be done after they have been stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 months.

Astrantia is sown in boxes, lightly sprinkled with moistened earth, covered with glass or a transparent film and kept until germination at a temperature of +20 ... + 23ºC. After seed germination, the shelter is removed, the boxes are rearranged to a well-lit place. As soon as the sprouts have two true leaves, the seedlings swoop down - they are transplanted one plant at a time into other containers.

2 weeks before planting plants in open ground, the pots are transferred for some time to an open balcony or to a glazed loggia, where a window is opened, but drafts are excluded. Gradually increase the hardening time.

When planting seedlings in the ground, they are guided climatic conditions region, but usually the flowers are transferred in late May-early June and placed at a distance of 30-40 cm from each other. The planting depth should not differ from the size of the seat in the container. Young bushes need to be watered abundantly and mulched.

If astrantia is planted in open ground before winter, then in the spring the seedlings of flowers are thinned out. Further care does not differ from the seedling method of reproduction of this plant.

care requirements

Astrantia is an unpretentious flower. Despite the exactingness of soil moisture, it is able to withstand a long absence of water. If the soil is well covered with mulch, then one weekly watering is enough. But for repeated flowering, you need to keep the soil moist throughout the growing season.

The flower is a fast-growing, long flowering, so it needs to be fed. Usually the bushes have enough combined fertilizer, which is applied in early spring. But for lush flowering on poor soils, it is recommended to add phosphorus-potassium supplements in July-August, which are advisable to apply in liquid form. If fertilizers are applied dry, it is necessary to water the bush well immediately after their application.

Prolong the flowering of astrantia, removing faded, drying inflorescences. This procedure prevents self-seeding of its seeds. When the first flowering is completed, the flower stalks are cut off. Soon the plant will replenish fresh leaves, will throw out new arrows. A lush, compact bush is formed.

Without a transplant, flowering of astrantia on same place will last for almost a decade. But to rejuvenate the bushes, it is better to shorten this period and renew them after 5-7 years. At the right time strong winds and heavy rains, large specimens of astrantia should be tied to a support.

The plant is practically not damaged by pests. It can only be damaged by snails, which are dealt with by collecting them in the morning under the leaves or by applying repellents. It can “catch” fungal diseases with improper care, for example, with frequent and abundant watering. In these cases, fungicides are used.

In autumn, astrantia is cut almost to ground level and covered with humus or peat. Resistance to low temperatures allows the plant to overwinter in the soil without special preparation. It is worth saving only young bushes, covering them with spruce branches.

Faded dry inflorescences can be left for autumn and winter. They will decorate an empty garden, rustling softly in the wind.

landscape decoration

Astrantia grows rapidly, forming decorative curtains. But it is also good in single plantings on the lawn, among dwarf conifers, in discounts, borders, in flower beds, looks great against the background of stones. The naturalness of a flower can become an adornment of a natural landscape style. Surrounded by perennial herbs and cereals placed large groups, it is effective and harmonious.

Astrantia flower is combined with sage, bluebell, pennisetum lush cereal, high Patagonian verbena, monarda, hosta, geranium, astilbe, lungwort, barberry and variegated geyhera.

A plant that loves moist soils is an indisputable candidate for decorating the shores of man-made reservoirs. The reflection of astrantia of dark tones in the water surface will add enchanting shades to the space of the garden.

If you do not forget about watering, it can be placed in containers in front of the entrance and on the patio. Astrantia is beautiful in a bouquet, retains beauty and freshness for a long time.

A colorful elegant flower with relative undemanding care has become a welcome attribute of any garden.

Often, novice flower growers are interested in which perennials bloom all summer.

1. Large astrantia (Astrantia major)

Beautiful perennial plant about 70 cm tall. It starts flowering in June, ends in August, if wilted buds are removed in time. The color scheme consists of shades of pink, white, cream and green. Bright representative- elegant variety "Primadonna", which strikes with a combination of white, pink and green on the petals. Its flowering often resumes in early autumn and lasts until October.

Astrantia large prefers sunny places or openwork penumbra. Unpretentious. Grows on all types of soils. Does not require transplantation within 5-7 years.

Astrantia large "Ruby Wedin"

Astrantia large Vertograd "s

Astrantia major Primadonna / Astrantia major Primadonna

Astrantia large Venice (Venis).

2. Oak sage (Salvia nemorosa)

Sage is a perennial that blooms all summer with proper care. Plant from 35 to 90 cm tall. Very beautiful varieties "Blue Hill" with lavender-blue and "May Night" with lilac-blue flowers, collected in spectacular candle inflorescences.

Oak sage prefers to grow in semi-shady areas with moderately moist loose and nutritious soil.

Wild sage (Oak sage) is a perennial herbaceous plant

Salvia oak rose Queen (P9) (pink inflorescences)

Salvia oakwood Viola Close

Salvia nemorosa "Amethyst"

3. Seaside armeria (Armeria maritima)

Cushion-shaped perennial up to 20 cm high with bright elegant flowers that open from May to the end of August. There are varieties on sale: "Alba", "Rosea Compacta", "Splendens Perfecta", "Düsseldorfer Stolz" - with white, pink, carmine red and dark red flowers, respectively.

Seaside Armeria is an unpretentious, winter-hardy plant, preferring light sandy soils to heavy clay ones. Looks great in container planting, in flower beds and rocky gardens.

Armeria maritime Splendens

Armeria Armada White

Seaside Armeria / Armeria maritima

4. Panicled gypsophila (Gypsophila paniculata)

A perennial plant that forms an attractive openwork bush with a height of 35 to 70 cm. It blooms from June to mid-August with medium-sized flowers that are collected in paniculate inflorescences. Among the varieties available to flower growers, the most popular are undersized perennials blooming all summer with double flowers: "Rosy Veil" and "Rosenschleier".

Gypsophila paniculata, due to its unpretentiousness, is very much in demand. Used to create various types of flower beds, grown for cutting.

Gypsophila paniculata.

Gypsophila FLAMINGO (pink, terry)

5. Potentilla fruticosa (Potentilla fruticosa)

Spectacular plant, up to 150 cm high, demanding on the level of humidity, light, heat. 'Abbotswood' boasts an abundance of delicate white flowers covering the bush from June to October.

Potentilla shrub

Potentilla shrub "Klondike".

6. Willow loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and rod-shaped (Lythrum virgatum)

Cute long-flowering perennials with a height of 80 to 140 cm. Their main "highlight" is the pretty inflorescences of rich pink and lilac colors. The most popular varieties today are: "Roseum", "Sticflamme", "Zigeunerblut", "Augenweide" - with light pink, purple-pink, dark red, red-violet flowers, respectively.

Derbenniki are distinguished by their particular unpretentiousness, the ability to withstand any growing conditions, although bushes planted in the coastal zone of a reservoir or in a flower garden with nutritious, well-moistened soil still grow healthier and more lush.

loosestrife loosestrife

7. Large-flowered flax (Linum grandiflorum)

A charming plant up to 60 cm high with an extended flowering period - from June to September. Flax varieties "Blush", "Mars", "Aurora" and "Zorepad" with light pink, bright red, apricot and dark red flowers look incredibly touching in group plantings: borders and mixborders.

Large-flowered flax (= decorative flax) - Linum grandiflorum. /

Flax perennial - Linum perenne

Large-flowered flax -Linum grandiflorum Desf.

8. Soft cuff (Alchemilla mollis)

A perennial plant that forms a cute spherical bush from 25 to 40 cm high. Green-yellow small flowers that delight the eye from June to August inclusive, are especially attractive after rain, when a pearl necklace of drops glistens on them. Fast-growing "Robustica" is the most popular industrial and at the same time amateur variety, similar in appearance to the wild species.

Flower growers often use this type of cuff when creating elegant borders.

White-green flowers are ideally combined with dark red, blue and purple inflorescences.

CUFF (ALCHEMILLA) fam. Rosaceae

common cuff (Alchemilla vulgaris)

Large astrantia flower strikes the imagination with its unearthly beauty and attractiveness. It is definitely worth planting in your garden. And how to organize the care of culture - you can learn from the proposed article.

There are many legends associated with the appearance of such an interesting garden flower as astrantia and its popular species. Some sources tell us about a romantic story about a star girl who fell from the sky in order to be with her beloved and broke into many small Starflower flowers. Others reveal to us the legend of a lover who went after her betrothed, who was killed in the war, and returning back her man, who became a guardian angel, scattered astrantia flowers so that she would safely reach home.

Large astrantia flower ( Astrantia) usually in the process of growing in the open field gives a cut. If planting and care comply with the rules of agricultural technology, then quite elegant bouquet compositions are obtained. Look at the photo of astrantia flowers and see their beauty and unusualness. All cultivated varieties are discussed further on the page and accompanied by a photo.

The romanticism of the plant lies in the fact that even its name is associated with space, in literal translation from Latin it means "star". In this issue, let's take a closer look at this charming flower, learn about what types and varieties you can grow in your garden and how blooming astrantia look in the photo:

Gorgeous astrantia flowers will decorate any site
Astrantia originally fits into any landscape design

Astrantia: botanical description and photo

A perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Astrantia belongs to botanists in the Umbelliferae family. Back in the 16th century, when many varieties of astrantia were cultivated, it was created botanical description genus as a whole. Its homeland is considered to be the Eastern and central parts of Europe, some species are found in the Caucasus. There are not many species in the genus, the most popular of them in floriculture is the large and largest astracia major. They were taken as a basis by breeders who presented a fairly large variety of varieties, some of which can be seen in the photo below.

Perennials form loose, but tall bushes, from 15 cm to 1 meter high (the length of the stems depends on the species and hybrid). Astrantia shoots are thin, erect, they practically do not branch. The basal rosette is formed from deeply cut leaves of rather large sizes with serrated edges on long petioles. During flowering, which occurs within 2.5-3 months, small flowers of different shades are formed and collected in apical umbellate inflorescences, as shown in the photo below.

In fact, it is the astrantia inflorescences that are the main decorative part the whole plant. Depending on the species and hybrid, they differ not only in color, but also in size. During flowering, the bushes seem to be strewn with beautiful stars, as the buds have petals that act as a wrapper. Some gardeners confuse them with flower petals. But, in fact, this is just an inflorescence wrapper. By the way, in some species, the shades of the bud and wrapper are different. Rarely, but there are specimens with veins and a border of a different color.

The diameter of the astrantia inflorescence is usually from 3 to 5 cm, the volume of the flower is given by the wrapper. After the plant fades, two-seeded fruits form, they are harvested for planting astrantia before winter or in spring. It is worth noting that germination does not last long and many of them do not have it at all. Usually, from 30 seeds located in the place of a faded inflorescence, from 3 to 15 fruits have germination.

Types and varieties of astrantia: Primadonna, Abbey Road, Moulin Rouge

As horticultural crops, only 2 types of astracia are grown, namely large and largest. The fact is that even in nature this plant is very rare and is listed in the international red book. But, breeders have created a rather impressive number of interesting varieties, especially for the type of large astrantia (major). Less often, but still, some gardeners grow such species as small and Karmiolskaya. Let's talk about the varieties that are presented by breeders for growing astrantia in open ground conditions and see their photos.

The most popular species used for landscaping areas is a large astrantia or, as it is also called, a big star. . This is a perennial herb from Europe and western Asia with a stem reaching from 30 to 100 cm. The palmately dissected leaves form a basal rosette, 30-45 cm in diameter. They form rather sprawling, but not dense bushes. Umbelliferous inflorescences in them are collected small flowers of various shades. The most common flowers are a pale pink shade, the wrapper is the same color, as shown in the photo below.

In some circles, it is believed that large astrantia has medicinal properties, because it is often used in traditional medicine. Used as a cultivated plant a large number of varieties. So, for example, you can often see a beautiful hybrid called Claret. The growth of this plant is usually from 50 to 55 cm, beautiful small flowers are formed on the stems, collected in simple umbellate inflorescences of wine-red color. The star-shaped wrapper is translucent and emphasizes the depth of the shade in which the claret astrantia buds are colored. Flowering of this variety can be seen from June to the end of August. Some gardeners plant this hybrid in groups in partial shade or shade. Some specimens are excellent colorful container forms.

Another rather original and popular variety of large astrantia is the Moulin Rouge with dark red wine-colored inflorescences, representatives with burgundy buds are often found. The depth of the shade is emphasized by an almost black wrapper in the shape of a star. It is preferable to plant the Moulin Rouge astrantia variety in a sunny area or in partial shade. In the shade, flowering will be more modest.

A rather tall, sprawling bush is formed by representatives of the Primadonna astrantia variety: such hybrids often grow 70 cm in height. The inflorescences are dark red, framed by light red petals of the wrapper. Gardeners grow this plant in the sun or areas protected by partial shade.

Perennial astrantia varieties Venice grow up to 50 cm in length, they have dark purple inflorescences and wrapper petals. But, this hybrid is not as bright and juicy as the representatives of Abbey Road. These flowers grow 45-60 cm long. The flowers of the hybrid are red-purple in color, and the petals are dark. Flowering occurs from early summer to autumn. For the cultivation of this variety, a fertile wet soil and a place protected by penumbra.

Another variety of large zdezdovka is Shaggy, reaching 75-80 cm in height. It differs from other representatives in ivory buds, collected in simple umbrella inflorescences. Flowering can be observed all summer, and if faded flowers are removed in time, the plant may bloom again in the fall.

Another, less popular species as a horticultural crop is very rare. We are talking about the largest astrantia, reaching from 70 cm to 1 meter. His homeland is considered to be the Caucasus, where in wild nature very rarely there are large loose bushes with not many-leaved tripartite leaves in whorls of 4 pieces in the root zone. Large and bright inflorescences are visible from afar, they are mainly collected from pale pink small buds and are up to 7 cm in diameter. It is worth noting that both the pedicel and the wrapper are a pale pink shade, as you can see in the photo below.

When grown as a garden crop with other species, it is worth planting a plant with a partition, which can be a lawn tape or a dug pot. Otherwise, the largest astrantia will drown out perennials growing nearby.

The most popular variety of this type of astrantia is Roma, which forms a dense bush with warm pink inflorescences. This hybrid blooms for quite a long time, almost all summer. Another large variety of astrantia is Rudy Wedding, reaching 80-100 cm in height with ruby ​​red flowers and a purple-lilac wrapper.

Reproduction of astrantia: planting with seeds and cuttings

In order to get astrantia on your site in a garden or front garden, you can act in several ways to propagate and plant this plant. The fact is that although growing this perennial is not difficult - it can take some time. In total, there are three ways to propagate astrantia: cuttings, rhizome division and seeds. Let's try to talk about them one by one.

Astrantia garden crops are not picky plants, so any garden soil is suitable for them. But, some gardeners, in order for the flowering to be much longer and brighter, fill the soil before planting the perennial. For this, ordinary humus is used. If this is not done, then a transplant may be required in 5-7 years to another place. In order for astrantia to live in one area for 10-12 years, loose and fertile soil is needed.

Vegetative propagation of astrantia is possible by cuttings or by dividing the rhizome. In both cases, this occurs in autumn or spring. In the case of division of the rhizome, a plant is taken without leaves, that is, you need to wait until they fall off or take a specimen with leaves that have not yet awakened. Perennial astrantia is dug out of the ground, after which its root is divided into several parts. Then, you need to seat it in different areas. To propagate astrantia with petioles, you need to divide the basal rosette, after which they are also seated in prepared places. Using vegetative propagation astrantia blooms for 2 years of life.

If you want to get a new plant on your site, try propagating astrantia from seeds. They can be assembled from an existing copy, or you can buy in a store. It is worth remembering that planting astrantia with seeds does not always lead to the desired result, and a new representative of the genus will differ in characteristics from the mother bush. Seed germination is very low and amounts to 10-50% of the total, it does not last very long, therefore, if you plant for the winter, then in November you should sow the seeds of the same year. After they undergo stratification in winter, after the soil freezes, the first friendly shoots will go. They need to be thinned out so that there is a distance of 7-10 cm between them, in the event that these are seedlings. If you plant immediately in a permanent place, then it needs to be increased to 30-50 cm. Plants propagated with the help of seeds bloom for 3 years of their life.

Easy care for astrantia in the open field

Almost all types of astrantia are very thermophilic plants, but at the same time they easily tolerate the cold season. In some regions, it is recommended not only to cut them completely (the entire bush) before winter, but also to cover them with spruce branches. This is necessary both in order to preserve the plant, and in order for it to bloom even more beautifully on next year. As for the care of astrantia in the open field, it is not difficult at all.

In order to grow astrantia on your site, you can prepare a sunny or not very shaded place. This is a rather unpretentious perennial that easily takes root even in the shade of trees. But, it is worth noting that under such conditions it blooms more modestly. That is why, if you want the garden to be decorated with lush beautiful star buds, plant the plant in a sunny place.

Astrantia transplantation is required only in adult plants that have reached 10-12 years of age. They need to be dug up, divided into several parts and seated according to different places. The fact is that after this period the plant begins to lose its decorative appearance and focuses on the growth of green mass.

Top dressing is usually not required, but watering should be regular, since astrantia loves moist soil - this is one of the basics of caring for such a plant. Diseases and pests do not affect the plant. Faded buds must be constantly removed from the bush, as they take away strength from astrantia. If you do this on time, then the perennial will bloom again in the fall, in warm weather.

By the way, some flower growers grow astrantia flower in apiaries, as this is an excellent, but very rare honey plant.

Like all flowers unusual appearance, large astrantia (Astrantia major) is surrounded by numerous legends and myths. The most famous - once fell on the edge of the forest bright Star who fell in love with an earthly guy. From hitting the ground, it crumbled into thousands of shiny fragments, which turned into small charming flowers that glow at night. From this legend, the name of the flower - from astro - space. In Russia, this flower is also associated with the stars - it has long been called a starfish. Another legend - a beautiful girl went to look for her beloved, who was taken to the war, and there he died. When she returned home inconsolable, she got lost in the forest - and her lover strewed her path with small flowers visible in the dark so that she would return unharmed. We invite you to familiarize yourself with how this cosmic flower of incredible beauty and grace is planted and cared for.

Description and biology of astrantia

There are 9 natural species of astrantia, distributed throughout Europe and Asia Minor. It was introduced into garden culture in the 16th century, presumably in England. No wonder the British simply adore this modest and delicate flower, care for which is practically not required, and more than a hundred of its varieties and hybrids have already been bred. Including, a large astrantia of the Moulin Rouge variety of raspberry-purple color, very popular with gardeners. Or the luxurious two-tone Star of Beauty variety, purple base and snow-white center - the photo shows how refined and sophisticated this flower is.

The plant is a perennial, rhizomatous, from the Umbelliferae family. The stems are straight, thin, slightly branched, from 15 (decorative forms) to 90 cm (wild) in height. There are few leaves, on long petioles, deeply palmately divided and palmately lobed, serrated along the edges, collected at a basal rosette. The bushes are spreading, and up to half a meter in diameter. Astrantia is decorative throughout the gardening season - until frost.

Zvezdovka blooms for a month and a half, in June-August, and most modern varieties bloom throughout September.

A very original form of flowers: numerous small inflorescences are collected in umbrellas 3-5 cm, and these umbrellas seem to be planted in a rosette of large colored leaves of the wrapper, which many mistake for petals. This wrapper can be the same color as umbrellas, in nature - green-white, white-silver. In decorative varieties, astrantia is large - the color can be any, even with veins or a border. The fruits of astrantia are two-seeded.

Biological features of astrantia - planting and growing conditions

This flower is photophilous, but at the same time it is quite shade-tolerant, it can easily grow under trees, and at the same time bloom profusely and for a long time, and minimal care is needed. But the optimal growing place is landing on open spaces and light shade. The more light, the brighter the colors of the flowers. The root system of the asterisk is quite compact, and therefore a deep fertile layer is not required. But, planting astrantia should be in loose nutrient soil. The plant does not tolerate sandy soils and very hot places.

As a rule, all care consists in regular watering in sunny places.

If the plant does not have enough moisture, it will shorten the flowering time in favor of seed maturation, which will still be dissimilar for the most part. And so - astrantia is drought-resistant, and it does not require special care, but there are still some secrets.

Secrets of long and repeated flowering of astrantia

Astrantia - agricultural technology, reproduction, care

This flower propagates by sowing seeds and dividing the bush. There are up to 30 seeds in an umbrella, but there are 3-15 germinating seeds among them, depending on the growing conditions. In November, you can sow only the seeds of the current year - in the ground immediately to a permanent place, or in a special nursery. Purchased and hybrid seeds - in early spring, immediately after the soil freezes. Germination is friendly - within 2-3 weeks. Shoots must be thinned out - leave 7-10 cm between young bushes for seedlings and more than 30 cm - if planting in a permanent place.

Reproduction of astrantia by rhizomes is carried out either in late autumn - after the leaves die off, or in early spring - before they awaken. The first year flowering may be weak, although it depends on the conditions and care. But in the second year after transplantation, astrantia forms dense thickets in the case of monoculture, and lush bushes in the case of a single planting. After 5-7 years, the bushes require transplantation and renewal, as their flowering and decorative effect will decrease.

Landing astrantia

You can plant asrtration as single groups, in the middle of the lawn and in flower beds, as well as in mixborders, in discounts and borders along the paths.

This plant is ideal for planting in wellness gardens - on lawns, among shrubs, dwarf varieties - on alpine slides.

Looks great in shady gardens due to its bright look. Partner plants - astilbe, lungwort, hosts, geraniums, cyanosis. Plant an astrantia among variegated geyhers, skumpias, or near a barberry bush - and it will sparkle with new colors.

Astrantia large - varieties and types

Astrantia itself is large (Astrantia major), originally from the Carpathians, has greenish-white flowers, up to 80 cm high. Care is not required at all.

Variety Lars - luxurious flowers with bright pink inflorescences that seem to glow at dusk. Height up to 75 cm, drought-resistant variety.