Overview
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lum' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Sanguisorba, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lum' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens.
About
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lum' is a perennial that forms dense clumps and spreads gradually. It features finely dissected grey-green foliage and slender, branching stems topped with bottlebrush-shaped clusters of deep wine-red blooms that appear in summer and linger into early autumn.
About the genus
Sanguisorba consists of herbaceous perennials that grow from rhizomes. They feature pinnate foliage and have branched stems topped with terminal spikes that hold clusters of small, fluffy flowers, prominently displaying their stamens.
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 officinalis 'Lum' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lum'
- Cultivation
- Grow in any moderately fertile soil that does not dry out. May require support
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, or by division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slug damage on young leaves
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lum'?
Grow in any moderately fertile soil that does not dry out. May require support.
Where is the best place to plant Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lum'?
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lum' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lum' need?
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lum' 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 'Lum'?
No pruning required.
How big does Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lum' grow?
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lum' reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lum' hardy in the UK?
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lum' has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lum'?
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, or by division in spring or autumn.
Is Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lum' good for pollinators?
Yes — Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lum' attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.