Who Would Want Worts?

Simply put, "wort" means plant. That's why we see it so often in horticultural names. Since it sounds a bit plain, nurseries often use alternate names.

Great Masterworts are also known as "Astrantia". The plant is a native to Europe and is from the same family as carrots.

I came late to the appreciation of Masterworts. I ordered my plant from Dutch Gardens in 2008 as an experiment. I try at least one new/previously unknown (to me) plant every year. These experiments have generally been successful.

I bought this small round rosette of leaves (Astrantia major "Rosea"), plopped in the ground near some daylilies and pretty much forgot the plant. To my surprise, one day I had beautiful sweet pink flowers.

• The plant can be in semi-shade to shade.
• It likes moist-highly organic soil but once established and well-mulched, it is carefree.
• Because Masterwort plant needs moist soil, it needs to be watered frequently during times of drought, otherwise it will die.
• It should be fertilized about 1 – 2 times a year for best growth.
• A benefit of planting Astrantias near hosta is they repel slugs.
• It is pest resistant.
• Rated for Zone 4.

The plant forms a 12 inch round clump of lush green leaves. Astrantia flowers grow on stems about 1 to 2 feet tall.

Astrantias come in a wide variety of colors. The flowers on the Masterwort plant are unusual looking, as they are a group of tightly packed florets that are backed by petal like bracts. This makes the flower look very much like a star or a firework.

The plant has a dainty sweet look. It does not overpower other plants and may be overlooked when placed with other dynamic colors or sizes. This is perhaps why it isn't seen in many gardens.

Here's the good news:

• The flowers are perfect for photographing.
• They look beautiful in a bud vase, with their tall thin stems suspended high but not tipping the vase.
• They are especially sweet in small vases.
• They're cheap, easy, and beautiful.
• Most colors range from deep rose to pale pink and lavender tints.
• Starts blooming the end of May and will continue all summer if a few are deadheaded.
• They attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Take a little of your budget for annual plants and do a perennial experiment with something new. (This flower cost less than an annual geranium at a nursery.) It could end up being your favorite flower - year after year after year.