Sanguisorba officinalis (great burnet) — Clump forming

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 4.0 — Sanguisorba 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 4.0 — Sanguisorba

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.