Astrantia major 'Moulin Rouge'®

Planting and Soil Requirements

• Planting Location: Choose a location that receives partial to full sun, although it can tolerate some light shade. Astrantia 'Moulin Rouge' performs best in dappled sunlight, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shaded areas of mixed borders.
• Soil Type: Astrantia prefers well-drained, moist soil rich in organic matter. A loamy or clay-based soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged is ideal for this plant.
• Soil pH: It thrives in neutral to slightly acidic soil, with an ideal pH range between 5.5 and 7.0. Adding compost or well-rotted manure to the planting area will improve soil fertility and encourage strong growth.
• Spacing: Space plants about 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) apart to allow for adequate air circulation and prevent overcrowding. This spacing helps reduce the risk of fungal infections while providing enough room for each plant to spread.
• Planting Depth: Plant Astrantia 'Moulin Rouge' with the crown at the soil level, ensuring that the roots are fully covered. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Watering and Fertilization

• Watering: Astrantia major 'Moulin Rouge' prefers consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. In dry periods, water deeply at least once a week to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
• Watering Technique: Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems are ideal for maintaining consistent moisture without splashing water on the leaves.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage healthy growth and prolific flowering. During the blooming period, you can use a liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to maintain plant vigor. Organic compost or well-rotted manure can also be added to the soil in the spring to boost nutrients.

Light and Temperature Requirements

• Light Requirements: Astrantia 'Moulin Rouge' grows best in partial shade to full sun. It appreciates morning sunlight with some protection from the intense afternoon heat, especially in warmer climates. Full sun is suitable in cooler regions, as long as the soil remains consistently moist.
• Temperature: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-7, meaning it can tolerate a range of temperatures from mild to moderately cold winters. It prefers cooler, temperate climates and may struggle in regions with prolonged heat or drought without adequate water.
• Frost Tolerance: Astrantia 'Moulin Rouge' can withstand light frosts, and the foliage will die back in winter. In areas with harsh winters, mulching the base of the plant provides extra protection for the roots.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season. Deadheading also helps the plant direct energy into producing new blooms instead of seed formation.
• Pruning: In late autumn or early winter, cut back the foliage to ground level once it dies back. This will tidy up the garden and prepare the plant for winter dormancy. New growth will emerge in the spring.
• Dividing: Every 3-4 years, divide the clumps in early spring or autumn to rejuvenate the plant and encourage healthy growth. Dividing also helps prevent overcrowding and improves air circulation around the plant.

Pests and Diseases

• Pests: Astrantia 'Moulin Rouge' is relatively pest-resistant, but slugs and snails can sometimes damage the young shoots and leaves. Use slug pellets or traps to manage these pests, particularly during wet periods.
• Diseases: This plant is susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot, especially if it is grown in overly damp or poorly ventilated conditions. To prevent these issues, water the plant at its base, ensure good air circulation, and avoid overcrowding.
• Preventative Care: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests or disease. If powdery mildew appears, remove the affected leaves and apply an appropriate fungicide. Keep the garden bed clean and free of debris to reduce the risk of fungal infections.

Propagation

• Division: Propagating Astrantia 'Moulin Rouge' is most easily done by division. In early spring or autumn, carefully dig up the plant, divide the root clump into smaller sections, and replant in well-prepared soil. Ensure each division has at least one healthy shoot and root system.
• Seed Propagation: Although it is possible to grow Astrantia from seed, this method takes longer and the plants may not flower for several years. Seeds require cold stratification and should be sown in a cold frame or directly in the garden in autumn.
• Cuttings: Root cuttings can be taken in late autumn or winter, but division remains the most reliable propagation method for Astrantia 'Moulin Rouge'.

Companion Planting and Garden Uses

• Companion Plants: Astrantia pairs well with other shade-loving perennials, such as hostas, ferns, and hellebores. It also looks stunning when planted alongside ornamental grasses, heuchera, or campanula.
• Ornamental Use: Astrantia 'Moulin Rouge' is perfect for cottage gardens, mixed borders, and woodland settings. Its deep red blooms add a bold pop of color in shaded or semi-shaded areas. It is also an excellent choice for cut flower gardens due to its long-lasting blooms.
• Cut Flowers: Astrantia flowers are popular in floral arrangements and can last for up to two weeks in a vase. Harvest the flowers when they are fully open for the best vase life.

Winter Care and Overwintering

• Mulching: In colder regions, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant in late autumn to protect the roots from freezing temperatures. Organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or compost, works well to insulate the plant.
• Winter Dormancy: Astrantia 'Moulin Rouge' goes dormant in winter. Cut back any dead foliage after the first frost, and allow the plant to rest until new growth emerges in the spring. No additional care is needed during this period, making it a low-maintenance plant for the colder months.

Conclusion

Astrantia major 'Moulin Rouge' is a stunning and easy-to-care-for perennial that adds dramatic color and texture to any garden. With its long-lasting blooms, rich burgundy shades, and compact size, it is perfect for shaded borders, woodland gardens, or even cut flower arrangements. By providing the right balance of moisture, light, and care, this plant will reward you with vibrant flowers that last from early summer through late autumn. Its low-maintenance nature makes it an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels, and it thrives in cooler, temperate climates.

• Size
  2L

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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