Divisions of a very handsome German selection of this very hardy species with bold palmate leaves comprised of huge obovate jagged edged leaflets emerging in glossy bronzed tints in spring and spectacular airy panicles of white flowers rising to 5 ft. in early summer. We grow this in our front border in full sun and provide it with supplemental water during the growing season û though our soil in that position is far from ôdeep,ö this plant takes it in stride and puts on an outstanding performance. Lovely in contrast with the bright variegated foliage of Astrantia major 'Sunningdale Variegated' in spring.

This is a fine architectural specimen, so be sure to provide it with plenty of space to shine. Similar to the palmate leaves of horse chestnut, the crinkled foliage of this species is tinted bronze and heavily veined. Leaflets radiate from the center and shaggy brown hair covers the loosely branched stalks. Pyramidal flowers range in color from porcelain white to muted pink.

With handsome, finely cut leaves looking more helleboraceous than Paeonia and lovely, nodding rich pink flowers in May, for beauty that can be described as purely and wonderfully simple. 2 ft.; an easy species for full sun or light shade in well-drained soil.

There are numerous seed-raised clones of this ôcultivarö that make their way through commerce, and though I will not declare that we have the real McCoy, I will say that it is particularly good and possesses a fine pedigree. Once tended by Eric Smith at Hadspen House in Devon, a division was kindly shared with me by Nori Pope who has brought the gardens at Hadspen back to life. The jagged-leaflet, pinnate foliage emerges with coppery purple tones forming magnificent clumps to 2.5 ft. over time, while the very pretty tiered panicles of flowers to 4 ft. are of a rich and titillating pink. Can be grown in full sun if provided especially rich and moist soil, though less challenging in shaded borders.