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Astrantia Care Guide

Astrantia is a delicate, star-shaped flower loved for its soft texture and natural cottage-garden appearance. Its wiry, branching stems carry clusters of small flower heads, adding detail and movement without overpowering the main flowers in an arrangement. 

Also known as Masterwort, Astrantia is especially popular for weddings, romantic arrangements, vintage-style floristry and natural garden-inspired designs. It can be dried, making it suitable for both fresh and everlasting arrangements. 

 

Key Information about Astrantia

Availability: March to November, with peak availability from May to October 

Vase life: Approximately 5 to 10 days 

Colour range: Creamy white, pale pink, dark pink and burgundy 

Stem Length: Approximately 40cm to 70cm 

Form: Transitional 

Family: A[oaceae

Also known as: Masterwort or Great Masterwort 

Best for: Wedding flowers, bridal bouquets, table arrangements, vintage designs, cottage garde and dried flowers 

Fun Fact: Astrantia belongs to the same botanical family as Cow Parsley and is loved for its clusters of small, starry flower heads. 

Similar alternatives: Waxflower, Phlox and Bouvardia 

 

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When Should I Order Astrantia?

We recommend delivery 2-3 days before the event. Astrantia needs time to rehydrate and recover after transportation. Although it does not need to open significantly before use, conditioning it overnight will help the stems and flower heads reach their best possible condition. 

 

Step-by-Step Conditioning Guide

To get the best from your wholesale Astrantia, please read the care instructions carefully: 

1. Carefully remove all outer packaging, sleeves and elastic bands. Astrantia heads can shatter easily, so avoid pulling the stems roughly from the packaging. 

2. Separate any tangled stems gently. Hold the stems lower down rather than gripping or pressing the flower heads. 

3. Remove any leaves that sit below the waterline. Also remove damaged or yellowing foliage. 

4. Cut approximately 2- 3 cm from the bottom of each stem with a sharp knife, secateurs or carbon blade scissors.

5. Fill sterilised buckets with fresh, clean water and add correctly measured flower food. Astrantia benefits from flower food, so use it whenever available. 

6. Place the stems immediately into the prepared buckets. Make sure no foliage sits beneath the waterline. 

7.  Avoid overcrowding the bucket. Astrantia has branching, wiry stems that can become tangled, and the delicate flower heads may be damaged if they are pressed together. 

8. Store in a cool, low-lit environment and a well-ventilated environment. The ideal temperature range is between 9 and 10 degrees. 

9. Never leave cut flowers in direct sunlight, near a radiator, in a draught or too close to ripening fruit. Keep out of reach of children and pets. 

 

Common Problems & Solutions

 

Flower Heads Shattering or Falling Apart: Astrantia flower heads can shatter easily, particularly if they are handled roughly, knocked against or allowed to become overly dry. Handle the stems carefully and avoid touching the flower heads unnecessarily. Do not overcrowd the conditioning buckets, and take care when separating the tangled stems. 

Wilting or Drooping stems: Astrantia may appear tired or thirsty after transportation. Re-cut the stems at a sharp angle and place them immediately into a sterilised bucket of fresh clean water and add flower food. Leave them to condition overnight in a cool environment. Air locks, dirty water or bacterial build-up can prevent the stems from taking up water correctly.

Yellowing or Damaged Leaves: Yellowing foliage may be caused by age, heat, dehydration or leaves being submerged beneath the waterline. Remove any affected foliage and make sure no leaves remain in the water. Refresh the water and re-cut the stems if necessary. 

 

Who is this Guide for?

DIY Customers 

Florists and Flower arrangers 

Venue Stylists 

Customers purchasing wholesale astrantia 

Customers creating cottage-garden, romantic and vintage-style arrangements 

Customers creating fresh or dried floral designs 

Common Questions

  1. When is Astrantia available? Astrantia is generally available from March to November.
  2. Does Astrantia need Flower food? Yes, astrantia benefits from correctly measured flower food, and it should be used whenever available. Flower food supports hydration and also helps control bacteria in the water. Always follow the measurement instructions supplied with the product.
  3. Should I remove the lower leaves? Yes, remove all leaves that are below the waterline.
  4. Can wilted astrantia be revived? Astrantia affected by dehydration may recover. Recut the stems and place them into fresh, clean water containing flower food. Severely dried, shattered or damaged flower heads may not recover.
  5. Can Astrantia be used in floral foam? Yes, astrantia can be used in fully saturated floral foam. Insert the stems carefully, as they are relatively fine and branching. Keep the foam topped up with water throughout the life of the arrangement.
  6. Is Astrantia a filler flower? It is described as a detail or transitional flower rather than a traditional filler. Its small flower heads and branching stems add softness, texture and movement between larger focal flowers.
  7. Which flowers work well with Astrantia? Astrantia works well with roses, spray roses, stocks, and lisianthus. It complements peonies, sweet peas, campanula, delphinium and seasonal foliage in romantic and cottage garden arrangements.
  8. What can I use instead of Astrantia? Similar alternatives include waxflower, phlox or bouvardia. The best alternative will depend on the season, colour palette and the level of texture required within the arrangement.