Originally a woodland plant, A. Star of Billion will usefully tolerate shade. It provides good ground cover in the middle of the herbaceous border with a mound of deeply cut, attractively shaped leaves. From the centre of this elegant foliage emerge thin but strong stems supporting the traditional pin-cushion shaped flowers. But look closer – the outer petals (they are in fact bracts) have finely serrated ends that are delicately tipped with dark green to echo the colour of the inner florets. From afar the flowers start a delicate green, but chameleon-like take on a rosy pink tinge before finally turning pure white.
Importantly, A. Star of Billlion attracts many pollinators. Being extremely vigorous and prolific, do not hesitate to raid it with the flower scissors. In seasonal arrangements it provides the perfect foil for other indigenous flowers, for example the lime green froth of Alchemilla Mollis; it can also be dried and stored for decorative use in winter.
Pot Size: 2/3L
Common Name: Masterwort
Hardiness: Hardy
Height and Spread: 90cm x 60cm
Preferred Soil Type: Moist, fertile, humus-rich
Aspect: Partial shade/shade
Flowering Period: June – August