Overview

Sanguisorba officinalis is a clump forming perennial herb in the genus Sanguisorba, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Sanguisorba officinalis grows best in full sun and partial shade, 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 Alaska, Albania, Altay, Amur, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, British Columbia, Bulgaria, Buryatiya and California.

About

Sanguisorba officinalis, commonly known as great burnet, is a plant in the family Rosaceae, subfamily Rosoideae. It is native throughout the cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, northern Asia, and northern North America.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Sanguisorba officinalis

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 4.0Sanguisorba

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
South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Sanguisorba officinalis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
perennial herb
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
Alaska, Albania, Altay, Amur, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, British Columbia, Bulgaria, Buryatiya, California

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Sanguisorba officinalis

Cultivation
Prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types. Suitable for full sun to partial shade. Can be propagated by division in spring or autumn.
Pruning
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Propagation
Division in spring or autumn
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Sanguisorba officinalis?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types. Suitable for full sun to partial shade. Can be propagated by division in spring or autumn.

Where is the best place to plant Sanguisorba officinalis?

Sanguisorba officinalis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Sanguisorba officinalis need?

Sanguisorba officinalis 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 do I prune Sanguisorba officinalis?

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.

How big does Sanguisorba officinalis grow?

Sanguisorba officinalis reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Sanguisorba officinalis hardy in the UK?

Sanguisorba officinalis 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 officinalis?

Division in spring or autumn.

More in the Sanguisorba genus

Browse all Sanguisorba