Astrantia Major Sunningdale Variegated

Description

Astrantia Major Sunningdale Variegated, also known as Masterwort, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is a variegated form of the Astrantia major species, with green and white leaves that have a slight pink tint. The plant produces small, star-shaped flowers that are surrounded by papery bracts in shades of pink, red or white. The blooms appear in mid to late summer and are long-lasting, making them ideal for cut flower arrangements.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Apiales
Family	Apiaceae
Genus	Astrantia

Appearance

Astrantia Major Sunningdale Variegated grows up to 60cm tall and has a clumping habit. The leaves are deeply lobed and have a variegated pattern of green and white with a hint of pink. The flowers are small, measuring about 2.5cm in diameter, and are surrounded by papery bracts that give them a decorative appearance. The bracts are usually pink, red, or white and have a unique texture that adds interest to the plant. The blooms are long-lasting and continue to produce new flowers throughout the summer.

Care Guide

To care for Astrantia Major Sunningdale Variegated, plant it in a location that receives partial shade to full sun. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Water the plant regularly, but make sure the soil is not waterlogged. Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.

Common Pests & Diseases

The main pests that affect Astrantia Major Sunningdale Variegated are slugs and snails. These pests can be controlled by using slug pellets or by handpicking them off the plant. The plant is generally disease-resistant, but it can be affected by powdery mildew, which appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. This can be treated with a fungicide.

Habitat

Astrantia Major Sunningdale Variegated is native to Europe and can be found growing in meadows, woodlands, and along streams. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and can tolerate partial shade to full sun. The plant is commonly grown in gardens as an ornamental plant.

Question and Answer

• Q: How often should I water my Astrantia Major Sunningdale Variegated plant?
  A: Water the plant regularly, but make sure the soil is not waterlogged. The soil should be moist, but not saturated.
• Q: Can Astrantia Major Sunningdale Variegated be grown in a container?
  A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container as long as it has enough space to grow and the soil is well-draining.
• Q: How tall does Astrantia Major Sunningdale Variegated grow?
  A: The plant grows up to 60cm tall.
• Q: Does Astrantia Major Sunningdale Variegated attract bees?
  A: Yes, the plant attracts bees and other pollinators.

Related Plants

• Astrantia major
• Astrantia maxima
• Astrantia ‘Hadspen Blood’
• Astrantia ‘Ruby Wedding’

References

• “Astrantia major.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c660.
• “Astrantia Major Sunningdale Variegated.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/236713/i-Astrantia-major-i-Sunningdale-Variegated/Details.
• “Astrantia Major Sunningdale.” Plant Delights Nursery, www.plantdelights.com/products/astrantia-major-sunningdale-variegated.