Masterwort

Astrantias are superb perennials for light shade under trees and shrubs, on a stream bank or in a moist border. They will tolerate drier soils as long as the plants are surrounded with a thick layer of mulch in spring. 'Hadspen Blood' is a beautiful variety with carmine-red pincushion flowers on maroon stems. After flowering, plants can be rejuvenated by cutting them back close to the ground - fresh new foliage and a late crop of flowers start appearing shortly after. Plants do not spread far but are well-known for self seeding.