Astrantia Shaggy

A beautifully airy perennial with a soft, romantic feel, Astrantia ‘Shaggy’ brings lightness and movement to the garden from early summer onwards. Its distinctive flowers are made up of pincushion-like centres surrounded by long, elegant bracts in soft green and ivory-white, giving it a gently wild, meadow-like character. It’s one of those plants that quietly lifts everything around it, weaving beautifully through borders and pairing especially well with roses, grasses and other cottage garden favourites.

Common Name: Masterwort
Botanical Name: Astrantia major ‘Shaggy’
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Flower Colour: Greenish white to ivory
Foliage Colour: Mid green
Position: Partial shade or full sun in reliably moist soil
Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil
Height: Approx. 75–90cm
Spread: Approx. 45–60cm
Flowering Time: June to September
Hardiness: Fully hardy

Why We Love It:
Astrantia ‘Shaggy’ has a wonderfully natural, effortless look that makes a border feel softer and more established. Its unusual green-white flowers are subtle rather than showy, but incredibly beautiful up close and brilliant for adding texture and contrast. It’s also a lovely choice for cutting gardens, with flowers that work beautifully in both fresh and dried arrangements.

Planting Notes:
Plant Astrantia ‘Shaggy’ in soil that doesn’t dry out too much, especially during summer. It’s happiest in a spot with morning sun or dappled shade, though it will tolerate more sun if the soil stays moist. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second flush, and clumps can be divided every few years in spring or autumn to keep plants healthy and vigorous.

Caragh’s Garden Notebook:
Astrantias are brilliant for stitching a planting scheme together. ‘Shaggy’ is especially lovely when planted among soft grasses, geraniums, salvias or roses, where its delicate flowers can float gently through the border. If you love a garden that feels relaxed, layered and full of movement, this is a beautiful plant to include.