Friday, July 8, 2011

The Next Generation of Astrantias?

Astrantia major Alba setting seed
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).

Unfertilized Fertilized
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!

13 comments:

  1. 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!

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  2. I think they're lovely. I noticed before you have these and admired those too.
    Cher Sunray Gardens

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  3. Lovely! The "pregnant" blooms are very nice!

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  4. I'm so envious of blooming Astrantia...mine hasn't a single one.

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  5. I think we need to read more about the "walking the cat" thing. Or, at least, a photo?

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  6. This is one of those flowers that gives me "zone envy," since July in Atlanta is simply the time of powdery mildew on everything!

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  7. Walking the cat- haha cute. That you need to post a photo of!

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  8. Lovely 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!)

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  9. Lovely pics ~ it will be fun to see if you get seedlings! Cheers

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  10. our garden is full of astrantias. Maybe a bit too full! have you thought of any possible names for new plants? After the cat perhaps?

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  11. First 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.

    Secondly, 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?

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  12. I don't know anything about Astrantia, but I would like to see a picture of you walking a cat. Great photos!

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  13. I have quite a few Astrantia seedlings showing up this year...the year of fecundity.

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