The genus of star umbels (bot. Astrantia) contains only a few species. However, numerous varieties in different sizes have now been bred. A big advantage of these perennials is the fact that they thrive in partial shade and bloom beautifully there.
Which star umbel varieties are suitable for the garden?
Star umbel varieties for the garden are the Carniolan, Bavarian, large and giant star umbels. They are taller growing and bloom in partial shade. The smaller Alpine or Pyrenean star umbel, which can cope with drier soil, is suitable for the rock garden.
What flower colors are available on the star umbel?
Star umbels bloom in a variety of shades of pink, from light pink to bright pink. There are also red-flowering star umbels or those with white flowers. A special eye-catcher, for example, is the pink-flowering variety “Moulin Rouge” with a purple wreath.
Interesting varieties of star umbel:
- Bavarian Star Umbel: approx. 20 to 40 cm high, flowers up to 2.5 cm
- Large star umbel: height approx. 45 to 70 cm, flowers up to 9 cm in diameter
- Small star umbel: height 15 to 40 cm
- Krainer Star Umbel: Flowers up to approx. 2.5 cm in diameter
- Giant star umbel: up to 90 cm high, flowers up to approx. 4 cm in diameter
Which star umbels are best for the garden?
The taller growing varieties of star umbels are best suited for planting in the home perennial garden. In this category you will find, for example, the Carniolan or the Bavarian star umbel, but also the large and giant star umbel. The first two only have quite small flowers, about 2.5 cm in diameter.
Both the giant star umbel with flowers up to four centimeters in size and the large star umbel, whose flowers can have a diameter of up to nine centimeters depending on the species, are a real eye-catcher in your perennial garden. In partial shade and with slightly moist soil, care measures are kept within manageable limits. There is no need to worry about excessive snail damage either.
Are there also star umbels for my rock garden?
The small star umbel feels most at home in the rock garden. It grows to a maximum height of around 30 to 40 cm and is native to the Alps and Pyrenees. In contrast to the large star umbel, it also copes quite well with somewhat drier soil. But this star umbel also prefers light shade instead of the blazing sun.
Tip
There is a suitable star umbel for almost every type of garden and plant lover, take a look at the different varieties before buying.
