Astrantia are clump-forming perennials with attractive lobed green leaves. Particularly useful in damp and shady parts of the garden, but equally at home out in the light and in dryer conditions also. Very hardy and easy to grow (albeit relatively slow growing), they are at home in most soil types and situations, except very dry. Masses of bracts surround the small flowers, with the whole flowerhead resembling a pin cushion, hence the common name of Hattie's pincushion. Although astrantia have been around English gardens for centuries, 'Venice' is a newer variety, with even more interesting and attractive pinky plum coloured flowers, surrounded by a darker ring of bracts, often flecked with green. Exceptionally attractive to may pollinators, as well as gardeners, and as they are suitable for most situations, including pots, and grow to a maximum height and spread of 100cm x 100cm, almost every gardener should be able to accomodate one.