Apiaceae
Great Masterwort: Medicinal Uses & Care Tips
Astrantia major
Great Masterwort is a low-maintenance perennial that thrives in partial shade on nutrient-rich, moisture-retentive soil. As long as the soil does not dry out and is occasionally fertilized, the plant requires little attention and is rarely susceptible to diseases or pests.
Every 3 days
Partial shade
-30° - 30°C
50% - 80%
Categories
What is Great Masterwort?
Great Masterwort (Astrantia major) is a easy-care plant from the Apiaceae family. Great Masterwort (Astrantia major) is a hardy perennial from the carrot family (Apiaceae), native to moist deciduous forests and stream banks of Central and Eastern Europe. The tiny, greenish-white flowers are surrounded by striking, star-shaped bracts in white, pink, green, or red, making the inflo...
Great Masterwort grows up to 90cm, spread of 45cm, watering every 3 days, -30°C – 30°C, 50–80% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Great Masterwort tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Great Masterwort is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Great Masterwort?
TLDR: Great Masterwort needs Partial shade, watering every 3 days, and temperatures between -30-30°C with 50-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Great Masterwort?
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry, warm periods. Great Masterwort does not tolerate prolonged drought, but it can handle occasional wet feet.
How Much Light Does Great Masterwort Need?
Give the plant a spot in partial shade, for example with some morning sun and otherwise filtered light. It tolerates full sun provided the soil remains moist, and it also grows in full shade, although it will bloom less profusely there.
What Is the Best Soil for Great Masterwort?
Choose a nutrient-rich, humus-rich soil that retains moisture well but is not permanently waterlogged. Great Masterwort grows on clay, loam, and sandy soils, with a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH.
What Pot Should You Use for Great Masterwort?
Great Masterwort is traditionally planted in borders, but it can also be grown in a spacious pot with drainage holes. Preferably choose a glazed ceramic or plastic pot, which retains moisture better than terracotta, and provide a layer of drainage material at the bottom.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 180 days
What Is Great Masterwort and Where Does It Come From?
Great Masterwort (Astrantia major) is a hardy perennial from the carrot family (Apiaceae), native to moist deciduous forests and stream banks of Central and Eastern Europe. The tiny, greenish-white flowers are surrounded by striking, star-shaped bracts in white, pink, green, or red, making the inflorescence resemble a small star-shaped umbrella. The plant forms compact clumps with 3- to 5-lobed leaves and blooms from June through September, making it a beloved addition to borders and cottage gardens.
How to Propagate Great Masterwort?
Division
Divide the clumps every 3-4 years to keep them vital; this is also the easiest propagation method.
- 1 In spring or after flowering, dig up a mature clump entirely.
- 2 Divide the root ball with a sharp spade or knife into sections, each with sufficient roots and eyes.
- 3 Replant the sections immediately in the desired spot, at the same depth as before.
- 4 Keep the soil well-moistened for the first few weeks after planting until the plant has established.
Materials needed:
Sowing
Fresh seed germinates better than stored seed; cold stratification significantly increases the germination rate.
- 1 Collect ripe seeds in late summer or autumn.
- 2 Sow fresh seeds directly outdoors or in a cold frame, as the seeds require cold (stratification) to germinate.
- 3 Keep the seedbed moist throughout the winter.
- 4 Prick out the seedlings in spring as soon as they are large enough to handle.
- 5 Plant the young plants in their permanent location during the summer.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Great Masterwort Grow?
TLDR: Great Masterwort can reach up to 90cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
90cm
Spread
45cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Decoction of the root traditionally used as a mild laxative
- Infusion of the whole herb applied as a gentle diuretic
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Great Masterwort?
TLDR: Great Masterwort is susceptible to 3 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Meaning & Symbolism
Astrantia major, also known as the 'Zeeuws knoopje' (Zeeland button) in the Netherlands, is a symbol of steadfastness and faith in the Zeeland region: the characteristic star-shaped bracts inspired traditional Zeeland button jewelry formerly worn as a sign of mourning, love, or faith. The plant further symbolizes protection and inner strength in the face of adversity.
Compare with similar plants
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
