Does it need full sun?

It prefers partial shade, especially in warmer climates.

How often should I divide it?

Every 3 to 4 years in spring to keep the plant vigorous.

Plant guide

Masterwort.

Astrantia major

Pronounced uh-STRAN-tee-uh MAY-jor

Also known as Astrantia, Greater masterwort, Mountain Sanicle, Pink Masterwort, great masterwort

great masterwort — Photo by Jason Grant (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Masterwort is a lovely perennial that brings a unique, pincushion look to shady garden beds. It thrives in cool, moist environments and adds a touch of elegance with its distinctive star shaped flowers. You'll find it's a fantastic choice for adding texture to your woodland borders.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 2 to 3 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 7
Bloom time: Late spring to mid summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist, as this plant really dislikes drying out completely. Mulch around the base to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool during the heat of summer. Watch for wilting leaves, which is a clear sign that your plant needs a good drink.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Feeding: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears.
Pruning: Cut back spent flower stems to encourage a second flush of blooms.
Repotting: Divide established clumps every few years to maintain plant vigor.
Soil: Moist, fertile, well-draining soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Temperature: -25 to 25°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot
Stunted growth

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non toxic but can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Children: While not highly toxic, it is best to discourage children from chewing on the leaves or stems.
Contact allergens: Handling the foliage may cause mild contact dermatitis in some people.
Airborne allergens: There are no significant reports of airborne allergens for this species.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and should be treated as ornamental only.

How to identify it

Star shaped flower bracts
Pincushion like central florets
Deeply lobed palmately divided leaves
Clump forming herbaceous habit

Height: 0.45 to 0.9m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.45m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: white, pink, maroon, 2 to 4cm
Fruit: brown, late summer

Problems to watch for

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Cut back dead foliage in late autumn or early spring. Mulch around the base to protect roots from extreme temperature fluctuations.
In containers: It grows well in containers if kept in a large pot with consistently moist, rich soil.

Division

1. Dig up the clump in early spring.
2. Use a sharp spade or knife to divide the root mass.
3. Replant immediately in moist soil.

Seed

1. Collect seeds when ripe.
2. Sow in pots in autumn.
3. Place in a cold frame to germinate in spring.

Plant in groups of three or more to create a lush, full look in your shade garden.

Grows well with

Hostas · They share similar shade and moisture requirements.
Ferns · Their contrasting textures look lovely in woodland settings.
Heuchera · They provide beautiful foliage contrast throughout the season.

Similar species

Astrantia maxima · It has larger, more prominent pink bracts.
Astrantia minor · It is a much smaller, more delicate alpine species.

Science

Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Astrantia
Order: Apiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Central and Eastern Europe
Conservation: This plant is common and not of conservation concern.

It naturally inhabits damp meadows and woodland edges where it benefits from consistent moisture.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, beetles
Uses: cottage gardens, cut flowers, woodland borders, pollinator gardens

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 4/9
Temperature: 4/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: It prefers partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
How often should I divide it?: Every 3 to 4 years in spring to keep the plant vigorous.

Where the name comes from

The name Astrantia refers to the star like appearance of the flower bracts, while major indicates it is the larger species of the genus.

Good to know

Astrantia is commonly called masterwort.
The name comes from the Greek word astron meaning star, referring to the flower shape.
It thrives in moist, cool climates.
The flowers are excellent for drying.

Also in

Plants for shade

Keep your masterwort growing

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.