The star umbel (Astrantia) is one of the umbelliferous plants and is now available from specialist retailers in many cultivated varieties with flowers that are more intensely colored than in nature. If a well-suited location is selected when planting, a lot has been gained in terms of relatively uncomplicated care.
How do you care for a star umbel in the garden?
The care of the star umbel (Astrantia) includes: adequate watering, preferably moist soil, avoiding drying out, transplanting/dividing in spring, optional pruning after flowering and simple fertilization with compost or slow-release fertilizer. No winter protection necessary.
How regularly should the star umbel be watered?
The varieties of Astrantia bred for the garden generally tolerate more drought than the wild varieties. As with yarrow, waterlogging should be prevented with a plant substrate that is as permeable as possible, but watering is advisable if the upper layer of soil dries out. In principle, star umbels like a rather moist soil and also a certain level of humidity, which is why it is important to ensure a sufficient water supply, especially when planting in a full sun location.
When is the best time to repot Astrantia?
The perennial star umbel grows herbaceously and usually only develops its full range of flowers in the second or third year. Specimens of the star umbel that have been propagated by division bloom faster and more vigorously than seedlings. Division, like transplanting in general, is most gentle in spring.
When and how are star umbels cut?
Due to their stocky growth, star umbels do not necessarily need to be cut in the garden. However, if you want to encourage the plants to bloom again after the flowering period, you can achieve this through targeted pruning, as is the case with the spur flower. To do this, simply cut back the flowers immediately after the first flowering period, which can also serve as a prevention against unwanted self-sowing in the garden.
Which diseases and pests can be dangerous to the star umbel?
While snails usually don't really bother the starwort, damage can occasionally occur for the following reasons:
- Leaf miners
- Voles
- Fungal infestation
A fungal infestation can be encouraged by a location that is too shady and constantly moist. You can keep voles away from the roots of the star umbel with a close-meshed wire mesh.
Do star umbels need to be fertilized?
For the relatively frugal plant, a little mature compost is completely sufficient as fertilizer. If necessary, you can fertilize sparingly in spring with a long-term fertilizer such as horn shavings (€52.00 on Amazon).
What should you pay attention to when overwintering the star umbel?
Star umbels overwinter in the ground and sprout again relatively early in the spring. Even in locations with harsh winters, they generally do not require any winter protection. Rather, it is important to note that the seeds of the star umbel must be sown outdoors before winter so that they receive the necessary cold stimulus (alternatively via artificial stratification) for germination.
Tip
The star umbel is sometimes often “nibbled” by voles underground. You can protect the plants from this by surrounding the roots of the star umbel with a protective, close-meshed wire mesh when planting.
