Astrantia
Astrantia, or masterwort, produces intricate pincushion heads ringed by a papery collar of pointed bracts, giving each bloom the look of a tiny, star-like nosegay. Florists love it for the delicate texture and soft, painterly colours it lends to garden-style bouquets and buttonholes. It reads beautifully at close range and photographs like fine detail, making it a wedding favourite. It is long-lasting fresh and dries gracefully, extending its use into everlasting work.
| Family | Apiaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Central and eastern Europe (mountain meadows) |
| Peak season | June, July, August |
| Availability | May, June, July, August, September, October |
| Stem length | 30–60 cm |
| Vase life | 7–10 days |
| Colors | white, pink, red, burgundy, green |
| Price tier | mid |
Recut stems and remove any lower leaves before conditioning in cool, clean water with flower food. Let stems hydrate for several hours in a cool place before arranging. Astrantia is thirsty, so keep water levels topped up and avoid warm, dry rooms.
- •Recut stems before conditioning
- •Strip lower foliage
- •Condition in cool water with flower food
- •Keep water topped up
- •Store cool
- •Dries well if hung upside down
2 named astrantia cultivars from the Lacy Bird master catalogue — each a distinct commercial variety.
Entries marked ✦ come from the Acanta master catalogue — the shared database of cut flowers, forms, colours and named varieties that florists and studios build on. The rest are our editorial genus reference. What is Acanta →
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Frequently asked questions
When is Astrantia in season?
Astrantia peaks in June, July, August, and florists can usually source it May, June, July, August, September, October. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Astrantia last in a vase?
Expect 7–10 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Astrantia?
Good substitutes for Astrantia include Scabiosa, Nigella, Ammi, Feverfew. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Astrantia symbolise?
Astrantia is associated with strength, protection, courage.
How do you care for cut Astrantia?
Recut stems before conditioning
