Overview
Sanguisorba obtusa is a clump forming perennial in the genus Sanguisorba, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Sanguisorba obtusa grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, prairie planting, wildflower meadow, low maintenance and flower borders and beds. 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 pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Sanguisorba obtusa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Japan to Russia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sanguisorba obtusa
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun; tolerates wet conditions; benefits from mulching to retain moisture
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Seed, Division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Sanguisorba obtusa?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun; tolerates wet conditions; benefits from mulching to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Sanguisorba obtusa?
Sanguisorba obtusa prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Sanguisorba obtusa need?
Sanguisorba obtusa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How do I prune Sanguisorba obtusa?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
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.
How do I propagate Sanguisorba obtusa?
Seed, Division in spring or autumn.
More in the Sanguisorba genus
- Sanguisorba 'Japan'Burnet
- 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