About

A tall, rhizomatous perennial, with rosettes of green, pinnate leaves and tall, slender flowering stems to 2m high, bearing dark reddish-purple, curving, bottlebrush-like flowers from summer to early autumn.

About the genus

Sanguisorba are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with attractive, pinnate leaves and branched stems bearing terminal spikes of small fluffy flowers with conspicuous stamens

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any moderately fertile soil that does not dry out. May require support
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, or by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slug damage on young leaves
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free