Masterwort Plant Care
Peucedanum ostruthium W.D.J.Koch
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Peucedanum ostruthium or Imperatoria ostruthium, masterwort, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae. It is native to the mountains of Central and Southern Europe, but has been widely introduced outside its native range.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Masterwort?
Water Masterwort every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Masterwort Native To?
What Is the Masterwort?
Masterwort (Peucedanum ostruthium) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Peucedanum genus. Masterwort is native to the mountains of Central and Southern Europe. Masterwort is also known as Great Masterwort, Alpine Masterwort.
Masterwort displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Masterwort produces small clusters of white or yellow flowers in umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Masterwort?
Peucedanum ostruthium 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 Masterwort Need?
Masterwort thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Masterwort Prefer?
Peucedanum ostruthium grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Masterwort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Masterwort?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Masterwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Masterwort?
Feed 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 Masterwort?
Repot every 2-3 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 Masterwort?
Masterwort can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to heart-leaved alexanders plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Masterwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list 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 Masterwort?
Masterwort is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, spider mites. 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 Masterwort Need?
Masterwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Masterwort is native to the mountains of Central and Southern Europe. In cooler regions, grow Masterwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
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 Peucedanum genus — compare its care with other Peucedanum species on PlantoScan.
Peucedanum is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
Masterwort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Peucedanum Species
Other Peucedanum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Peucedanum ostruthium W.D.J.Koch, family Apiaceae (first published in Nova Acta Phys.-Med. Acad. Caes. Leop.-Carol. Nat. Cur. 12(1): 95 (1824)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list 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 13a, 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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