​Astrantia Sparkling Stars Red

Astrantia ‘Sparkling Stars Red’ is a real gem for the summer border, producing intricate, star-shaped blooms in rich ruby-red to deep crimson tones with a delicate pin-cushion centre. The flowers sit above neat, lobed foliage and keep coming for weeks, especially if you deadhead regularly. It’s perfect for cottage gardens, wildlife-friendly planting, and adding a pop of deeper colour to mixed borders. Bees love Astrantias, and the blooms are also excellent for cutting—fresh in arrangements or dried for long-lasting displays.

Supplied as a bare root plant, it’s an easy, great-value way to establish a long-lived clump that returns bigger and better each year.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant bare root Astrantia in autumn or early spring while the plant is dormant. Avoid planting when the ground is frozen or waterlogged.

Where to Plant:
Choose a position in sun or partial shade with moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Astrantias thrive in borders that don’t dry out and are ideal for cottage gardens, mixed borders, woodland edges and wildlife-friendly planting.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant so the crown sits level with the soil surface, with roots spread out in the planting hole.
• Spacing: Space 35–45 cm (14–18 inches) apart to allow plants to form tidy clumps.
• Soil Prep: Mix in well-rotted compost to improve moisture retention and soil structure.

Watering:
Water well after planting. Keep the soil evenly moist while the plant establishes, and water during dry spells—Astrantias perform best when they don’t dry out.

Aftercare Tips:

• Deadhead regularly to encourage repeat flowering.
• Mulch in spring with compost to help conserve moisture.
• Cut back spent stems after flowering, or leave some seed heads for gentle autumn interest.
• Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring or autumn to maintain vigour.

Top Tip:
Astrantia ‘Sparkling Stars Red’ is fantastic for adding deeper colour to borders without feeling heavy. It looks gorgeous with Roses, Salvias, Astrantia ‘white’ varieties and ornamental grasses for a balanced, elegant mix.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:

June - September (often longer with deadheading)

Height:
18–24" (45–60cm)

Position:
Sun / partial shade

Hardy Perennial