This is a new variety of astrantia with stunning red pincushion flowers surrounded by a ruff of red bracts that appear from early to late summer. The leaves are pretty too; deeply lobed and dark green. Although it is an old cottage garden favourite, this astrantia works equally well in contemporary-style plantings. Use towards the front of a sunny, yet moist border. It makes an excellent cut flower as the flowers last up to two weeks in a vase. Astrantias have been cultivated in Britain since the 16th century and have numerous common names, such as melancholy gentleman, Hattie's pincushion and the more well-known masterwort.
Plant height is 10cm and grown in a 2L pot and will grow to around 30cm and 60cm spread. They die back over the winter.