Astrantia - how to plant

gutties

I realise this sounds like a silly question, but I'll proceed anyway.....

I got a few Astratia Roma delivered to me today from J Parker's.  The contents of each bag appears to be soil like with some roots in it, but I have no clue how to plant them.

I assume they like bulbs so the entire contents of the bags should be planted under the soil, but I wasn't sure so wanted to check here first?

Help, please.

raisingirl

there's probably a shoot or two on there somewhere - can you post a photo? At this time of year, I'd suggest potting them up for now and keep them somewhere sheltered from very hard frost until you see new shoots appearing in the spring

gutties

Attached is the contents of one of the bags.  There is definitely something there with roots.

Would I bury all of that in the pot?

nutcutlet

It's not like a bulb, you can't bury it well down in a pot. Those stiff bits at the bottom of the photo are roots and the hairy bits at the top are last year's growth. The roots need to be under the soil and the hairy bits above. I agree with raisingirl, pot it up for now, it's not big enough for the real world. Any soil or compost will do.

Buttercupdays

You need to sort out which way up it goes!

From what I can see in the pic, there are some very thin, straight, fibrous bits in the middle, which I think are the remains of old leaf stems, and a lot of thicker, wiggly bits which are the roots. You need to plant it so the roots are buried and the join with the leaf bits is just at soil level. If the roots are very dry, it may help to soak them for an hour or so first.

Water it well and then put the pot in a fairly sheltered place outside, it won't need undue cosseting. All being well, in the spring you should see some signs of growth.

gutties

Thanks both.  I knew it was a perennial; but I was confused when I seen what I received!

nutcutlet

gutties said:

Thanks both.  I knew it was a perennial; but I was confused when I seen what I received!

I think many people are confused by these dried up bits of something or other  

gutties

Sorry, I think I need help on which way is up here!

Is the left of the picture the bottom?

lovegardening77

I would say yes. This is a very helpful post because I've ordered the very same!🙂

nutcutlet

anything stiff/solid is root. The top, in the absence of leaves, is just hairy/wispy stuff

BobTheGardener

Yes, roots on the left and top on the right in your photo.  The 2 small yellow buds right of centre will provide next year's growth and should be just below the surface when you pot/plant it.  If you gently remove a bit more of the soil it should become clearer.