About
A robust, clump-forming perennial to about 70cm tall from rocky mountain habitats in Crete and other Aegean islands with finely divided, grey-green, hairy leaves and erect, branched stems bearing umbels of small, white, star-shaped flowers in summer. A handsome umbellifera for a sunny, well-drained rock garden or Mediterranean-style border.
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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow
Native toS.W.C. Europe, N. Africa, Canary Is. SW & C. Asia
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationA native of chalk grassland but will tolerate most soils
PruningNo pruning is required
PropagationPropagate by seed. Propagate by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free