Star of Fire Masterwort
Star of Fire Masterwort
Intricate Deep-Red Pincushion Flowers for Moist Shade
Star of Fire Masterwort (Astrantia major 'Star of Fire') is a refined cottage-garden gem, with intricate, deep ruby-red, pincushion-like flowers framed by a collar of papery bracts, held on wiry stems above deeply lobed foliage. Blooming in summer, it draws bees and butterflies and makes a long-lasting cut (and dried) flower. It thrives in cool, moist part shade. Deer-resistant and reliably hardy, it brings unusual texture to woodland borders in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Star of Fire Masterwort Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Astrantia major 'Star of Fire' |
| Mature Size | 18–24 in. tall, 15–20 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 4–7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Part shade to full shade; full sun only with steady moisture |
| Bloom Time | Early to midsummer, with rebloom if cut back |
| Flower Color | Deep ruby-red |
| Soil | Moist, rich, well-drained; amend clay with compost |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to about -25°F once established |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed by deer or rabbits |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Cottage and woodland borders: Its intricate blooms add fine texture to moist, part-shade beds. Space 15–20 inches apart.
Cut-flower and pollinator gardens: Excellent fresh or dried, and a draw for bees. Pair with astilbe, hostas, and ferns.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September) into rich, moist soil. Keep moist through establishment.
How to Plant Star of Fire Masterwort
Dig a hole twice the root ball width at the same depth, mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2 inches deep. Space 15–20 inches apart in a cool, moist spot.
Watering Star of Fire Masterwort
First year: Keep evenly moist — water every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Prefers consistent moisture; water during dry spells. Cut back after the first flush to encourage rebloom.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to about zone 4, returning each spring.
Q: Sun or shade?
It's happiest in part shade with steady moisture; it tolerates more sun only where soil stays reliably moist.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer and rabbits rarely bother masterwort.
Q: Can I dry the flowers?
Yes — the papery, long-lasting blooms are excellent in both fresh and dried arrangements.
You May Also Like
Star of Beauty Masterwort (Astrantia major): A deep wine-rose masterwort with the same charm.
Astilbe: Plumed flowers for layered moist-shade color.
Hosta: A bold-leaved shade companion.
How Many Star of Fire Masterwort Do I Need?
Space masterwort about 18 inches apart so the clumps merge into a fine-textured drift. It looks best in groups of 3 to 5 toward the front or middle of a moist, shady border.
| Border run | Plants needed (18 in apart) |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 3 plants |
| 10 ft | 7 plants |
| 15 ft | 10 plants |
| 20 ft | 13 plants |
Star of Fire Masterwort Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Deeply lobed green foliage emerges into a neat, full clump for the shade garden.
- Summer: Wiry stems carry intricate, deep ruby-red pincushion flowers framed by papery bracts, drawing bees and butterflies; shear after the first flush to encourage rebloom.
- Fall: A lighter rebloom often follows deadheading, and the lobed leaves keep their texture into autumn.
- Winter: Top growth dies back; the hardy crown overwinters and returns reliably each spring.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Shade-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Star of Beauty Masterwort — its wine-rose sibling for a layered masterwort planting.
- Deutschland Astilbe — crisp white plumes that brighten the deep-red flowers in moist shade.
- Lady Fern — soft, upright fronds for a woodland backdrop.
- Japanese Painted Fern — silvery foliage that sets off the ruby blooms.
Is Star of Fire Masterwort Right for Your Yard?
Plant it in part to full shade with cool, rich, evenly moist well-drained soil — under high trees, on the shady side of the house, or in a moist woodland border. Not a fit for hot, dry, sun-baked beds, where masterwort scorches and struggles without steady moisture and shade.