ASTRANTIA MAJOR 'HADSPEN BLOOD'

Sometimes, when I am mooching around a plant nursery, there is a plant that stops me in my tracks.  It doesn't have to have enormous, garish flowers.  Sometimes it's simplicity in itself.  Astrantia major 'Hadspen Blood' was one such plant.  The contrast between deep red flowers (which are about 2.5cm, 1in, across) and rich green leaves is striking.  Look at nature's detail in that small but not so simple flower. 

Astrantia major 'Hadspen Blood', the flower has a centre of

umbels surrounded by deep red bracts.

The plant as a whole is perfect for a perennial border, will fit splendidly between all the hardy herbaceous plants.  It's ideal for a cottage garden. 

 

Astrantia major 'Hadspen Blood'

Astrantia major 'Hadspen Blood'

 

Astrantia major 'Hadspen Blood' is full hardy.  It flowers from June to September (mine's flowering in May but we've had a mild winter and spring) and achieves a height of about 60cm (24in) and a spread of 30cm (12in).  It requires moist, fertile soil in sun or partial shade.  They do not like dry soil and mulching is advisable on drier soils.  They prefer chalky or alkaline soil although mine is acid with a reading of about 6.5.  I tested it easily with my PH/Moisture meter by Gardman.  I might have to add a little lime around the plant to moderate the soil.  I can at least try.



RHS Testing Soil (external link)