Sanguisorba canadensis (white burnet) — herbaceous perennial

Overview

Sanguisorba canadensis is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Sanguisorba, part of the Q46299 family. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Sanguisorba canadensis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to North America.

About

Sanguisorba canadensis is a herbaceous perennial notable for its creamy-white, cylindrical flower spikes. It is native to North America and typically reaches about 1.2 m. Flowering occurs from June to August. Plants prefer moist but well-drained soils and a sunny position.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sanguisorba canadensis

About the genus

Sanguisorba is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rosaceae native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The common name is burnet.

Wikipedia contributors, "Sanguisorba", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sanguisorba

In the garden

Sanguisorba canadensis, the white burnet, is a herbaceous perennial native to North America that produces upright stems topped with creamy-white flower spikes between June and August. It typically grows to around 1.2 m, forming clumps of foliage with tall flowering stems through the summer months. Give the plant a sunny site and a soil that remains moist but well-drained; it tolerates sandy, loamy or clay textures so long as free water does not stand around the crowns. In UK terms it is rated H7, meaning it is fully hardy and will withstand winter conditions in exposed gardens without winter protection. At roughly 1.2 m it works well at the back of a mixed border or where summer vertical presence is needed, such as beside paths or along a meadow edge. Its summer flowering adds a pale, neutral tone that pairs well with stronger-coloured perennials. Cutting back the spent flower stems after August keeps clumps tidy and encourages fresh basal shoots the following spring.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sanguisorba

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Sanguisorba canadensis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: herbaceous perennial
Height: 1.2 m
Native to: North America

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Sanguisorba canadensis?

Sanguisorba canadensis prefers full sun.

What soil does Sanguisorba canadensis need?

Sanguisorba canadensis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How big does Sanguisorba canadensis grow?

Sanguisorba canadensis reaches a height of 1.2 m.

Is Sanguisorba canadensis hardy in the UK?

Sanguisorba canadensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

More in the Sanguisorba genus

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