The masterwort (Astrantia) is one of the umbelliferae and is now available in specialist shops in many cultivars with flowers that are more intensely colored than in nature. If a well-suited location is selected when planting, a lot is gained for the relatively uncomplicated care.

Star umbels are relatively easy to care for

How regularly should the masterwort be watered?

The varieties of Astrantia bred for the garden usually tolerate more drought than the wild varieties. As with yarrow, waterlogging should be prevented with a plant substrate that is as permeable as possible, but watering is advisable if the upper layer of soil dries out. Basically, star umbels like a rather moist soil and also a certain humidity, which is why it is important to ensure an adequate water supply, especially when planting in full sun.

When is the best time to repot Astrantia?

The perennial masterwort grows herbaceously and usually only develops its full abundance of flowers in the second or third year. Copies of the masterwort that have been propagated by division flower faster and more vigorously than seedlings. As is generally the case with transplanting, the division is most gentle in the spring.

When and how are star umbels pruned?

Due to their squat growth, star umbels do not necessarily need to be cut in the garden. If, however, you want to encourage the plants to flower again after the flowering period, you can achieve this with a targeted cut, as with the spur flower. To do this, the flowers are simply cut back immediately after the first flowering period, which can also serve to prevent unwanted self-seeding in the garden.

Which diseases and pests can be dangerous for the masterwort?

While snails usually don't really bother the masterwort, occasionally damage can occur for the following reasons:

  • leaf miners
  • voles
  • fungus

A fungal infestation can be favored by a location that is too shady and permanently damp. You can keep voles away from the roots of the masterwort with a close-meshed wire mesh.

Do star umbels have to be fertilized?

For the relatively frugal plant, slightly mature compost is completely sufficient as fertilizer. If necessary, you can sparingly fertilize in spring with a long-term fertilizer such as horn shavings (32.93€).

What should be considered when overwintering the masterwort?

Star umbels overwinter in the ground and sprout again relatively early in spring. Even in locations with harsh winters, they generally do not require any winter protection. Rather, it should be noted that the seeds of the masterwort must be sown outdoors before winter so that they receive the necessary cold stimulus (alternatively via artificial stratification) for germination.

tips

The masterwort is sometimes “nibbled” underground by voles. You can protect the plants from this by surrounding the roots of the masterwort with a protective, close-meshed wire mesh when planting.

Category:

Herbs