Sanguisorba obtusa (Japanese burnet) — Perennial

Overview

Sanguisorba obtusa is a perennial in the genus Sanguisorba, part of the Q46299 family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Sanguisorba obtusa grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Japan to Russia.

About

Sanguisorba obtusa is a perennial bearing wiry stems topped with bottle‑brush flower heads from June to August. It typically reaches about 1.0 m and carries grey‑green foliage beneath the flowering stems. The plant prefers full sun and suits soils ranging from sandy to heavy clay provided they remain moist to wet. Flower heads are bright pink, adding vertical texture across summer.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sanguisorba obtusa

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 obtusa is a herbaceous perennial native to Japan to Russia, valued for its upright, wiry flowering stems that appear above a mound of grey‑green leaves. It flowers from June to August, producing bottle‑brush heads of bright pink that provide movement and structure through the summer months. Give it a sunny site and soils from sandy to loamy or clay; the key is consistent moisture — it tolerates moist to wet ground rather than drought. Hardiness is H7 (fully hardy), and it corresponds to roughly USDA zones 4–9, so plants withstand cold UK winters without winter protection when well sited. Use Japanese Burnet where a tall, airy summer flower is useful: moist borders, rain gardens, pond edges and alongside upright ornamental grasses are appropriate pairings. Because the flowering stems rise well above the foliage, place it where the blooms can be seen rather than buried deep within lower-growing perennials. Expect the stems to sway in light breezes from June to August, giving a subtle architectural rhythm to the border.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sanguisorba

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

Plant details

Sanguisorba obtusa size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Height: 1.0 m
Native to: Japan to Russia

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Sanguisorba obtusa?

Sanguisorba obtusa prefers full sun.

What soil does Sanguisorba obtusa need?

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

How big does Sanguisorba obtusa grow?

Sanguisorba obtusa reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Sanguisorba obtusa hardy in the UK?

Sanguisorba obtusa 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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