About
Pimpinella major, greater burnet saxifrage, is a clump-forming perennial with bushy, upright growth to 1.2 m with grooved stems, glossy, green, divided leaves and flat-topped, white flower umbels in June and July. An ornamental and rewarding native for a sunny, well-drained border or wildflower meadow.
About the genus
Pimpinella are annuals, biennials or herbaceous perennials with simple or pinnately divided leaves and branched umbels of tiny white or pink flowers. Native to grassland and open habitats across Europe, Asia and beyond.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, SW Asia
Care notes
CultivationThrives in a sunny position in fertile, moist but well-drained loamy soil. See Creating wildflower meadows for further advice
PruningFor more information see our page on cutting back herbaceous perennials
PropagationPropagate by sowing seeds outdoors
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and mice
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and downy mildews