Lesser Masterwort Plant Care
Astrantia minor L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Astrantia minor, the lesser masterwort, is a species of herbaceous plant belonging to the family of Apiaceae. It is native within Europe, to the countries of France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Lesser Masterwort?
Water Lesser Masterwort every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Lesser Masterwort?
Lesser Masterwort (Astrantia minor) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Astrantia genus. Lesser Masterwort is also known as Masterwort.
Lesser Masterwort displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Lesser Masterwort produces unique, intricate, domed flowers in shades of pink, white, or green.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lesser Masterwort?
Astrantia minor requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Lesser Masterwort Need?
Lesser Masterwort thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Lesser Masterwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lesser Masterwort Prefer?
Astrantia minor grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Lesser Masterwort prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lesser Masterwort?
Rich, moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Lesser Masterwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lesser Masterwort?
Feed Lesser Masterwort every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Lesser Masterwort?
Divide and replant every 3-4 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Lesser Masterwort?
Lesser Masterwort can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to great masterwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Lesser Masterwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lesser Masterwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Lesser Masterwort?
Lesser Masterwort is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Lesser Masterwort Need?
Lesser Masterwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Lesser Masterwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Lesser Masterwort is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Astrantia genus — compare its care with other Astrantia species on PlantoScan.
Astrantia is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
Lesser Masterwort copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Astrantia minor L., family Apiaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 235 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lesser Masterwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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