Sanguisorba officinalis 'Rubra' (Great Burnet) — Perennial herbaceous

Overview

Sanguisorba officinalis 'Rubra' is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Sanguisorba, part of the Q46299 family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Sanguisorba officinalis 'Rubra' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, wildflower gardens and naturalistic plantings. It is native to Belgium.

About

Sanguisorba officinalis 'Rubra' is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Sanguisorba, growing to around 1.0 m. It flowers in the UK from June to August. The plant tolerates a wide range of soils from sandy to clay and will take wet ground as well as moist, well-drained sites. It is suited to borders, wildflower gardens and naturalistic plantings.

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

In the garden

Sanguisorba officinalis 'Rubra' is a herbaceous perennial reaching about 1.0 m, belonging to the genus Sanguisorba and native to Belgium. In the UK it produces its flowering display from June to August, making it a summer contributor to mixed plantings and meadow-style schemes. Place it in full sun where possible; the species accepts a wide range of soil types (sandy, loamy or clay) and copes with conditions from moist yet well drained to genuinely wet ground. Hardiness rating H7 means it is fully hardy in the UK; it also corresponds to USDA zones 4–8. Those site and hardiness attributes make it tolerant of tougher situations where other perennials might struggle. Use Sanguisorba officinalis 'Rubra' towards the middle or rear of a border, in wildflower areas or in naturalistic plantings where its upright habit contributes to layered planting. Flowering stems run through the summer, providing vertical rhythm in beds and meadows from June to August.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sanguisorba

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained, Wet
Exposure: Full sun
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Sanguisorba officinalis 'Rubra' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial herbaceous
Height: 1.0 m
Suggested uses: Borders, wildflower gardens, naturalistic plantings
Native to: Belgium

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Sanguisorba officinalis 'Rubra'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates wet conditions; cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth
Propagation: Seed, division

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Sanguisorba officinalis 'Rubra'?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates wet conditions; cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.

Where is the best place to plant Sanguisorba officinalis 'Rubra'?

Sanguisorba officinalis 'Rubra' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Sanguisorba officinalis 'Rubra' need?

Sanguisorba officinalis 'Rubra' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained to wet.