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Astrantia conflicting advice

coccinellacoccinella Posts: 1,195
in Plants
Good afternoon. I would like to plant some Astrantia Roma. The RHS encyclopedia says that they like a well-drained soil (mine) but on the website where I want to buy it from it says that it prefers moist. What is your experience? 

Luxembourg

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  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,173
    I love Astrantia but they do struggle in my (very) well drained soil. I think they may well be happier in a more moist environment, as long as they aren't sitting in the damp. As long as you keep an eye on watering they should be fine. "Roma" is a lovely one  :)
    I would love to have that tantalising "moist but well drained soil" that l read so much about 😊.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,118
    They didn't do well on my sandy pebbly well-drained soil either. Not even with lots of compost added.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,849
    The RHS has a database of plants on its website.  For astrantia it says moist but well-drained soil if in full sun or well-drained in partial shade.

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/1870/Astrantia-major/Details 
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • WibbleWibble Posts: 89
    I got some Roma last year. Put one in a large pot with other things, so multipurpose compost, good drainage, almost full sun. The other went in the ground, on my heavy clay that is tantamount to a swamp at times, in partial shade. Both did equally well, was very happy with them.
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,302
    Astrantia really struggled in the partial shade but dry area where I planted them, to the point where I have now moved them to an even shadier but moister (not wet) bed to see if they'll fare any better. 
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • coccinellacoccinella Posts: 1,195
    Thank you all. Your input is much appreciated  :) I know already I will buy them, can't resist it. 

    Luxembourg
  • coccinellacoccinella Posts: 1,195
    Obelixx said:
    The RHS has a database of plants on its website.  For astrantia it says moist but well-drained soil if in full sun or well-drained in partial shade.

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/1870/Astrantia-major/Details 
    Thank you for the link Obelixx. This is from their printed version 2010: "Genus of perennials, widely used in flower arrangements. Fully hardy. Requires sun or semi-shade and well-drained soil. Propagate by division in spring or by seed when fresh, in late summer."
    I guess the website is more up to date. 


    Luxembourg
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,137
    I believe Roma is a sterile variety. So it doesn't set seed, but does flower for a much longer period.
    I bought one yesterday :) a bit sorry looking but for £1 it's worth a punt.

    I also have A.Shaggy which seems reasonably happy in clay with some sun.
    It self-seeded so will move some of the seedlings elsewhere in an effort to try and find a position in my garden that has the fabled 'moist, but well-drained' soil' 😂

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
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