Astrantia major 'Alba'
Last night I was out walking our cat (yes, it's as ridiculous as it sounds), which of course meant a few opportunities to shoot some more photos of the garden. The overcast weather made for nice photo conditions. Upon looking closer at some Astrantia blossoms, I noticed it looked like some of the blooms were different than others (In the above photo, it's the flower right in the middle).
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| Unfertilized | Fertilized |
I suddenly realized these blooms must be setting seed. I have these planted with a few other types of Astrantia ('Roma', 'Abbey Road', and an unnamed variety I got at the HPSO sale this spring), and Astrantias are known to be a bit "promiscuous", inter-breeding freely. Who knows if they will actually be viable, or if they even germinate, but I'm rather excited thinking about what may result. I will definitely be keeping a close eye on the area for little seedlings next year!
It's a little like buying a lottery ticket. Though the payoff is probably more sure with the astrantia. I've tried to grow these, but the rabbits eat them up!
ReplyDeleteI think they're lovely. I noticed before you have these and admired those too.
ReplyDeleteCher Sunray Gardens
Lovely! The "pregnant" blooms are very nice!
ReplyDeleteI'm so envious of blooming Astrantia...mine hasn't a single one.
ReplyDeleteI think we need to read more about the "walking the cat" thing. Or, at least, a photo?
ReplyDeleteThis is one of those flowers that gives me "zone envy," since July in Atlanta is simply the time of powdery mildew on everything!
ReplyDeleteWalking the cat- haha cute. That you need to post a photo of!
ReplyDeleteLovely images! I've never seen one of these plants. (We don't walk our cat, but he certainly goes out on a harness - you're a good cat-owner!)
ReplyDeleteLovely pics ~ it will be fun to see if you get seedlings! Cheers
ReplyDeleteour garden is full of astrantias. Maybe a bit too full! have you thought of any possible names for new plants? After the cat perhaps?
ReplyDeleteFirst off, love the enchanting blooms and photography. I don't know your day job but you really could make it as a great freelance photographer. No BS, man.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, back to the cat for a second, Is it on a lease or do you chase it around the street. Does it sniff other cats?
I don't know anything about Astrantia, but I would like to see a picture of you walking a cat. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteI have quite a few Astrantia seedlings showing up this year...the year of fecundity.
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