Astrantia - what's the secret?

hogweed

Astrantia does not do well in my garden. I have two lots - one of the pinky red ones and a white one. It's the pinky red one that just sits and sulks. I have had it for years, tried taking bits and putting them in other bits of the garden with no luck whatsoever. Even tried growing it on in pots to see if that helps and it grows so slowly if at all. Is it the variety I have that is not a good do-er? should I try another variety? The white one which is a semi shaded position, grows like a weed, no problems there. The pinky red one is in a sunny spot. 

Marlorena

..choose a good variety... you really want a pink like 'Roma' or a white like 'Warren Hills'...

...either will grow in full sun or shade...

granma

These grow well for me I grow in Sandy , peaty soil
 

Lyn

They grow in my acid soil too , in sun and full shade. 

Lizzie27

They do need moist soil and wilt alarmingly if they get too hot and dry. I've got clay soil and they grow reasonably well for me.  It may just be that you've got a dud plant so maybe try another named variety.