Great Masterwort

The Great Masterwort, known scientifically as Astrantia major, is a perennial flower that blends intricate detail with delicate charm. Native to the cool, moist meadows and woodlands of Central and Eastern Europe, this plant has found a home in gardens across the world, particularly prized for its unique floral architecture, long blooming period, and shade-loving nature.Often described as “a botanical snowflake”, each bloom of Great Masterwort offers an intricate blend of starry bracts, pincushion-like florets, and elegant stems, making it an irresistible choice for cottage gardens, woodland borders, and floral arrangements.

Great Masterwort's blossoms are unlike most garden flowers. Each “flower” is actually an umbel of tiny florets, tightly clustered and surrounded by papery bracts that give the illusion of a single, star-shaped bloom. This distinctive look has earned it names like pincushion flower or starflower.

Astrantia major is native to alpine meadows and forest clearings in the Carpathians, Alps, and Balkans. It thrives in cool, moist conditions, especially in areas with partial to full shade, making it ideal for.Woodland gardens.Shaded borders.Understory plantings.Stream edges and pond margins.Its natural resilience in high altitudes and rocky terrain makes it both hardy and adaptable, often flourishing in climates where other ornamentals struggle.