Overview
Sanguisorba obtusa white-flowered is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Sanguisorba, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Sanguisorba obtusa white-flowered grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, prairie planting, wildflower meadow, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.
About
Sanguisorba obtusa white-flowered, known as white-flowered Japanese burnet, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Rosaceae family. It grows to between 0.5 and 1 metre in height and spread, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and adapts well to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. It is suitable for east, south, or west-facing aspects and can tolerate both exposed and sheltered locations. The cultivar provides seasonal interest in summer and autumn and requires low maintenance.
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.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sanguisorba
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Sanguisorba obtusa white-flowered size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sanguisorba obtusa white-flowered
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Sanguisorba obtusa white-flowered?
Sanguisorba obtusa white-flowered prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Sanguisorba obtusa white-flowered need?
Sanguisorba obtusa white-flowered is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Sanguisorba obtusa white-flowered grow?
Sanguisorba obtusa white-flowered reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Sanguisorba obtusa white-flowered hardy in the UK?
Sanguisorba obtusa white-flowered 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 white-flowered?
Division in spring or autumn.
More in the Sanguisorba genus
- Sanguisorba 'Japan'Burnet
- Sanguisorba 'Lilac Squirrel'Burnet

- Sanguisorba officinalis
- Sanguisorba 'Blackthorn'Burnet
- Sanguisorba 'Cangshan Cranberry'Burnet
- Sanguisorba 'Chocolate Tip'
- Sanguisorba 'Tears From Heaven'Burnet
- Sanguisorba menziesii