Flower Library
Masterwort
Astrantia major · Doldenblütler (Apiaceae)
Astrantia is a delicate, star-shaped cut flower with a fine character and surprising resilience. Its small umbels, framed by papery bracts, lend every bouquet a natural, meadow-like lightness. We source it in top A1 quality straight from the Rhein-Maas auction, which is why it often stays fresh well beyond the usual seven days.
- Season
- May – June – July – August – September – October
- Vase life
- 7–12 days
- Latin name
- Astrantia major
- Colors
- White, Pink, Dusky Pink, Burgundy, Greenish-White
Several masterwort species exist, but in cut-flower work Astrantia major dominates with its many cultivars. The colour range spans pure white, soft pink and dusky rose through to deep burgundy. Each bloom is made up of countless tiny individual flowers framed by a ring of pointed bracts that create the characteristic star shape.
In floristry, astrantia is a prized connecting flower. It fills gaps without overwhelming and gives hand-tied bouquets, bridal bouquets and loose arrangements an airy structure. In the natural, English garden style in particular it is almost indispensable, adding depth and movement between larger blooms.
True quality shows in firm, upright stems and bracts free of brown edges. Fresh stems give off a subtle green, herbaceous scent, with blooms fully open but not overripe. With good hydration and a clean vase it lasts remarkably long and dries cleanly towards the end rather than wilting.
Astrantia pairs beautifully with roses, peonies, gypsophila, grasses and other summer bloomers. For a deliberately pared-back look it also works solo in a simple vase, where its fine star structure comes fully into its own. As a bonus, the flower heads also dry excellently for long-lasting bouquets.
Care
- 01Cut stems at an angle and place them immediately in clean, lukewarm water.
- 02Remove lower leaves so they do not rot in the water and shorten the vase life.
- 03Keep the vase in a cool spot away from direct sun, draughts and heat sources.
- 04Change the water every two to three days and rinse the vase thoroughly.
- 05Add flower food to the water and remove any yellowing blooms promptly.
- 06Tip: hang it upside down before it wilts and the astrantia will dry into a lovely shape.
Frequently asked
- How long does astrantia last in a vase?
- Around seven to ten days is typical. With fresh A1 stems, a cool spot and regular water changes it often lasts up to twelve days or more. Towards the end you can even hang the stems upside down to dry them.
- Is masterwort toxic to cats or dogs?
- No toxic effects are reported for Astrantia major; it is considered safe and is not listed among the ASPCA toxic plants. Even so, pets should not nibble on cut flowers in general, as chewing plant material can irritate the stomach.
- When is astrantia in season?
- The main season runs from late spring into autumn, roughly May to October, peaking in the summer months of June to August. During this window it is available at the auction in the best freshness and widest variety.
- What is masterwort used for in floristry?
- It is a versatile connecting and filler flower for bouquets, bridal and table arrangements, and natural designs in the English garden style. Its delicate star shape brings lightness between larger blooms and adds movement.