About
Sanguisorba 'Japan' is a perennial in the rose family (Rosaceae) notable for its small, dense flower clusters that appear in summer. It grows as an herbaceous perennial or small shrub with pinnate leaves and stems that can reach substantial heights. Young leaves renew from a central crown each season, producing fresh growth after winter. Flowering occurs June to August.
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 'Japan' belongs to the genus Sanguisorba within the Rosaceae and reflects the group's temperate origins across the Northern Hemisphere. Plants in this genus range from herbaceous perennials to small shrubs and carry pinnate leaves with multiple serrated leaflets; the flowering units are compact clusters composed of very small, four-petalled flowers. Expect flowering from June to August, when the tight clusters of small blooms are produced along the stems. New foliage emerges from the central crown each spring, so stems that die back over winter are typically replaced by fresh basal growth. That central crown is also the plant’s primary growth point and should be left intact when tidying or relocating specimens. Allow enough space for upright stems and the leaf rosette at the base; the plant’s form and seasonal renewal pattern suit mixed perennial borders, naturalistic meadow mixtures and margins where vertical flower spikes are desired. Observing the crown in spring gives the best indication of vigour and replacement stems for the coming season, making crown inspection a useful part of annual care.
More in the Sanguisorba genus
- Sanguisorba 'Lilac Squirrel'Burnet

- Sanguisorba 'Blackthorn'Burnet
- Sanguisorba 'Cangshan Cranberry'Burnet
- Sanguisorba 'Chocolate Tip'
- Sanguisorba 'Tears From Heaven'Burnet
- Sanguisorba obtusa white-floweredwhite-flowered Japanese burnet
- Sanguisorba off. 'Pink Tanna'Burnet
- Sanguisorba off. 'Red Thunder'Burnet