How big does Great masterwort grow?

About 70 cm × 45 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 50–90 cm × 30–50 cm.

What soil does Great masterwort grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay.

Is Great masterwort hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Great masterwort flower?

Flowering: May–August, white, pink, red.

How much water does Great masterwort need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Great masterwort cost?

It sells for roughly €5.60 to €13 in local shops, depending on size.

Great masterwort

Astrantia major

Great masterwort (Astrantia major) is a perennial that reaches 70 cm × 45 cm after ten years. Light: part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €5.60.

Illustration of Great masterwort — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Great masterwort is a loosely bushy perennial for cool part shade: its white, pink or wine-red flower heads, each ringed by papery bracts, last for weeks from early summer and are good for cutting and drying too. It needs humus-rich soil that stays moist and does not tolerate drying out. Cut off the faded flowers if you do not want it to self-seed, which often brings a second flush as well.

Watch out for

In Central Europe it copes badly with hot, dry lowland summers: in full sun or drying soil the leaves scorch, flowering stops early and the plant fades away within a few years, so plant it only in cool, humid part shade where you can water. Slugs eat it, and aphids, leaf miner and powdery mildew also occur. In a spot it likes it spreads by seed and short runners. Wild plants are protected: buy nursery-grown stock and never collect it from the wild.

Key facts

Light: Part shade
Water need: High
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 70 cm × 45 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–August, white, pink, red

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade
Size after 10 years	70 cm × 45 cm
Ultimate size	50–90 cm × 30–50 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–August, white, pink, red
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €5.60

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €5.60 – €13

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials that flower all summer Perennials for clay soil Perennials for pollinators

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