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Scientific Information

Kingdom: Plantae

Clade: Angiosperms

Clade: Eudicots

Clade: Asterids

Order: Apiales

Family: Apiaceae

Genus: Astrantia L.

Introduction

Also cited as Masterworts or Hattie’s Pincushions, Astrantia (Astrantia spp.) are popular summer flowers that showcase small, star-shaped flower heads. These shade-loving plants are available in an exceedingly superb range of shades, including white, pink, and red. They need an extended bloom period and easy-to-care nature, making them a classic favorite by many gardeners and florists.

Astrantia Flower – the Essentials

Astrantia major

These elegant herbaceous perennials provide a diffusion of symbolic meanings obsessive about their color. White astrantia flowers symbolize innocence and purity like other white flowers. Pink astrantia flowers, on the choice hand, mean womanhood, youth, and grace. Red astrantia flowers symbolize strength, passion, and courage.

The Astrantia Flower 

Astrantia is a small low genus of flowering plants within the Apiaceae or rosid family (previously called the Umbelliferae family). It’s 13 recognized species with A. major, A.maxima, and A. carniolica because the foremost recognized in cultivation. While it’s commonly called by its genus name, it’s also mentioned due to the good Masterwort, Carnic Masterwort, or just Masterwort. Others call it Hattie’s Pincushions.

Botanical Characteristics, Colours, and Fragrances

These fragrant flowers of astrantia have small, star-shaped flower heads that come together and resemble a pincushion. Each flower consists of five petals and long stamens. They’re available in various colors, including white, cream, pink, red, and reddish-purple flowers.

Though recognized mainly due to their flowers, astrantias showcase other interesting botanical characteristics. The herbaceous perennials grow in clumps and mat\y reach to a height of about 2 ft.

The leaves of the plants are palate in shape with toothed edges and divided lobes. They still are medium green throughout the plant’s season, unlike other plants that change leaf colorize fall. The stems are erect and wiry.

What Regions Are Astrantia Flowers Native To?

Astrantia flowers in the meadows

Europe, the Caucasus, and Western Asia serve native to these flowers. They naturally grow on grasslands, meadows, and around streams.

When Are Astrantia Flowers in Season?

Plant astrantias in spring, and they will provide you with a desirable display of blooms after about three months. When planted in autumn, these shade-loving perennials will start flowering after six to nine months as long as you provide them with adequate moisture.

Astrantia Flower Meaning & Symbolism

The form, shape, and smell of astrantia flowers sure make the plants attractive. Still, another factor that adds to their stunning look is their colors. These blooms often are available in white, pink, and red, with each color, adoring different meanings and symbols.

For instance, white astrantia flowers symbolize innocence and purity like other white flowers. Pink astrantia flowers, on the opposite hand, mean womanhood, youth, and grace. Red ones give different meanings, though. The colors mean strength, passion, and courage.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance of Astrantia Flowers

Although there’s not any reported cultural significance of astrantia or masterwort flowers, they hold various meanings and symbolism. 

Uses and Benefits of Astrantia Flowers

While astrantia flowers are known to be the best for their use as ornamental value, the plants provide other uses and benefits.

The shade-loving perennials exhibit medicinal properties. They produce oil. Moreover, the parts of the plant also serve as treatments against migraines, colds, ulcers, wounds, and others.

As for toxicity, the plants don’t have any reported toxic effects on humans and animals. The flowers frequently attract bees, flies, and other pollinators.

Suitable Gifting Occasions for Astrantia Flowers

Astrantia maxima

Astrantias are popular not as garden plants but also as cut flowers. The long-lasting flowers and attractive shapes make excellent floral arrangements. They’re becoming a preferred choice for weddings and other special occasions.

While they still are a least-favorite option than popular cut flowers like roses, mums, daffodils, tulips, and others, these dainty blooms are an honest thanks to showing romantic gestures or express appreciation, gratitude, sympathy, or love.

Astrantia flowers are given as typical gifts for anniversaries, birthdays, or any celebration.

Wrap Up

Astrantia flowers won’t be as popular as other flowering garden plants, but they sure offer one among the foremost effective summer blooms. Ideal for gardens, these flowers present a protracted blooming period, beautiful star-shaped flowers, attractive foliage, and easy-to-care nature. They’re highly adaptable and like dappled shade and moist soil conditions.

Moreover, these blooms are excellent for cutting. Astrantia cut flowers are utilized in bouquets, other floral arrangements, and flower gifting for several occasions and celebrations.

Arpit Mangal

31.05.2022