UK compost
What compost for masterwort 'venice' in the UK?
Astrantia major
More about masterwort 'venice' in the UK
Which compost masterwort 'venice' needs
For masterwort 'venice' the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost. Incorporate plenty of organic matter before planting. Tolerates heavier soils as long as they remain moist. Slightly acid to neutral pH preferred.In British garden centres the bagged growing medium is sold simply as “compost” (multipurpose, ericaceous, or loam-based John Innes), which is a different thing from the rotted garden “compost” you make in a heap — for a pot you want the bagged kind.
Peat-free compost
Buy peat-free. The sale of peat compost to home gardeners is being phased out across the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free on environmental grounds. A good peat-free multipurpose grows masterwort 'venice' perfectly well; the one habit to change is watering — peat-free dries faster at the surface while still moist below, so check by feel a knuckle deep rather than trusting the look of the top.
Ericaceous or multipurpose?
Masterwort 'Venice' is straightforward: an ordinary peat-free multipurpose compost is right. For a big specimen or a pot it will live in for years, mixing in some loam-based John Innes No.2 or No.3 adds weight and holds nutrients longer. Ericaceous compost is not needed unless a plant is specifically a lime-hater.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the masterwort 'venice' soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Masterwort 'Venice' in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for masterwort 'venice' in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost. Incorporate plenty of organic matter before planting. Tolerates heavier soils as long as they remain moist. Slightly acid to neutral pH preferred. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.
Can I use ordinary multipurpose compost for masterwort 'venice'?
Yes. A good peat-free multipurpose compost is exactly right for masterwort 'venice'. For a large or long-term pot you can mix in some John Innes No.2 or No.3 (loam-based) for extra weight and staying power.
Should the compost be peat-free?
Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow masterwort 'venice' perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does masterwort 'venice' need grit or perlite added?
Not essential, but a couple of handfuls of perlite in the mix improves aeration and guards against overwatering — useful on a cool, damp British windowsill where compost stays wet longer.
What pot and drainage does masterwort 'venice' need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Humus-rich, moisture-retentive loam. Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.
More masterwort 'venice' care
See the full masterwort 'venice' care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.