About

A herbaceous perennial to about 1m, with a mat-forming, running rootstock. The foliage is blue-green with rounded, wavy-edged leaflets and the flowers, produced from midsummer to early autumn, are pinkish-purple, fluffy, hanging, squirrel tails.

About the genus

Sanguisorba are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with attractive, pinnate leaves and branched stems bearing terminal spikes of small fluffy flowers with conspicuous stamens

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPrairie planting, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in a moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil that does not dry out; best in full sun or partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free