Astrantia ‘Buckland’ — The Elegant Masterwort for Shaded Gardens
Astrantia ‘Buckland’, commonly known as Masterwort or Greater Masterwort, offers a rare blend of delicate beauty, robust hardiness, and easy cultivation. Belonging to the Apiaceae family, which includes carrots and parsley, this herbaceous perennial has become a favorite in cottage gardens, woodland edges, and shaded borders for its ethereal flowers and its ability to thrive in conditions where many other perennials struggle.
While the genus Astrantia hails originally from Central and Eastern Europe, Astrantia ‘Buckland’ itself is a cultivated hybrid, most likely a cross between Astrantia major and Astrantia maxima. Its refined blooms, extended flowering season, and tolerance for part shade make it a standout in temperate gardens worldwide.
Distinctive Appearance of Astrantia ‘Buckland’
The true charm of Astrantia ‘Buckland’ lies in its blooms. From late spring through midsummer, and often well into early fall with deadheading, this perennial produces striking domed umbels that resemble tiny starbursts or pincushions. Each umbel consists of numerous tightly packed, dusty-pink florets surrounded by a ruff of silvery-green, papery bracts that are tipped delicately with green. These long-lasting bracts retain their beauty even after the florets have faded, extending the plant’s ornamental value deep into the season.
The wiry flower stems rise elegantly above a basal mound of palmate, deeply lobed leaves. The foliage itself remains fresh and attractive throughout the growing season, providing a textural contrast to neighboring plants. The leaves, medium green and divided into three to seven sharply toothed lobes, form neat mounds approximately 45 cm (about 18 inches) across, while the flowering stems can reach heights of 60–90 cm (2–3 feet).
Blooming Season and Growth Habit
Astrantia ‘Buckland’ begins its floral display in May and continues through July. With attentive deadheading, intermittent reblooming often extends into early autumn. Each flowering stem carries a single umbel, which is positioned well above the foliage, swaying gently on its wiry stalks.
In ideal conditions, this cultivar forms slowly spreading clumps thanks to its modest stoloniferous growth habit. While never invasive, over time Astrantia ‘Buckland’ will form impressive colonies that fill in shaded borders or naturalistic garden settings with understated grace.
How to Grow Astrantia ‘Buckland’
Light
Astrantia ‘Buckland’ adapts well to various lighting conditions. It performs best in part shade or dappled sunlight, especially in regions with hot summers. Full sun may be tolerated in cooler climates, provided adequate moisture is maintained. In deep shade, however, flowering may diminish, and foliage may become sparse.
Soil
Rich, humus-filled soil with excellent moisture retention is ideal for Astrantia ‘Buckland’. Organically enriched loam provides the best foundation, but the plant can tolerate a variety of soil types so long as drainage is sufficient to prevent standing water in winter. Incorporating compost or well-rotted leaf mold at planting will significantly improve both fertility and moisture-holding capacity.
The ideal pH range leans slightly acidic to neutral but is not especially restrictive.
Watering
Consistent moisture is the most critical requirement for Astrantia ‘Buckland’. While it tolerates short dry spells once established, prolonged dryness may cause foliage to wither and flowering to cease prematurely. During hot or windy weather, supplemental watering may be necessary. Applying a thick layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant will help maintain even moisture and regulate soil temperature throughout the growing season.
Fertilizing
Fertilization needs for Astrantia ‘Buckland’ are modest. In organically rich soils, it often requires no additional feeding. In poorer soils, applying a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring will support robust growth and heavier flowering. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which may encourage leaf production at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Deadheading spent flower stems after blooming helps encourage repeat flowering and keeps the plant looking tidy. In late autumn or early winter, cut the entire plant back to the ground after the foliage dies back naturally. This helps reduce overwintering pests and makes room for fresh spring growth.
Propagation
Propagation of Astrantia ‘Buckland’ can be accomplished by seed or division. However, seeds may not come true to type, particularly with cultivated hybrids like ‘Buckland’. Division remains the most reliable method for producing identical plants.
Divide mature clumps in early spring or early autumn, spacing divisions about 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) apart to allow room for expansion. Dividing every three to five years helps maintain plant vigor and controls spread.
Hardiness
Astrantia ‘Buckland’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 7, tolerating winter temperatures down to -34°C (-30°F). In colder regions, mulching the crown with leaf litter or straw before winter may offer added protection, particularly during freeze-thaw cycles.
Pests and Diseases
One of Astrantia ‘Buckland’s finest qualities is its general resistance to pests and diseases. Slugs may occasionally nibble at young foliage, especially in damp springs, but significant infestations are uncommon. Aphids may visit from time to time but rarely cause serious harm. Deer and rabbits typically ignore Astrantia altogether.
Proper site selection, good air circulation, and careful watering help prevent fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, though such issues are rare.
Garden Uses
Thanks to its elegant form, extended bloom period, and low-maintenance requirements, Astrantia ‘Buckland’ is extremely versatile in the garden:
- Woodland gardens
- Cottage gardens
- Shaded perennial borders
- Moist wildflower meadows
- Pond or stream margins
- Naturalized informal plantings
- Cut flower arrangements
- Dried flower arrangements
Its ability to grow beneath open-canopied trees or alongside moisture-loving perennials like Hosta, Ferns, Astilbe, and Brunnera makes it an excellent companion plant in layered garden designs.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The genus name Astrantia derives from the Greek word astron, meaning “star,” a reference to the flower’s radiating bracts that resemble a starburst. The specific epithet of this hybrid cultivar, ‘Buckland,’ honors its cultivated lineage, though its exact naming origin is less precisely documented.
Summary: The Quiet Sophistication of Astrantia ‘Buckland’
With its papery silver-green bracts, soft dusty-pink pincushion blooms, and reliably tidy growth habit, Astrantia ‘Buckland’ offers an effortless grace that belies its durability. It succeeds where many plants fail: in shaded borders, beneath trees, and along damp garden paths. Combined with its ease of care, pest resistance, and multi-season interest, this masterwort deserves its place among the finest perennials for the temperate garden. Whether grown as a quiet accent or as part of a larger, layered planting scheme, Astrantia ‘Buckland’ remains a garden treasure that rewards the attentive gardener year after year.
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