Overview
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder' 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 officinalis 'Red Thunder' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and naturalistic gardens. It is native to Belgium.
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
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained, Wet
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Cut flowers, Naturalistic gardens
- Native to
- Belgium
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates a range of soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
- Pruning
- Cut back old flower stems after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Propagation by division in spring or autumn; also by seed.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates a range of soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Where is the best place to plant Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder'?
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder' prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder' need?
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder' 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 well-drained to moist but well-drained to wet.
How do I prune Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder'?
Cut back old flower stems after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder' grow?
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder' reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder' hardy in the UK?
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder' 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 'Red Thunder'?
Propagation by division in spring or autumn; also by seed.
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