Overview
Sanguisorba 'Tears From Heaven' is a perennial in the genus Sanguisorba, part of the Rosaceae family. Sanguisorba 'Tears From Heaven' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and loamy soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and cut flowers.
About
A cultivar of the burnet genus Sanguisorba, Sanguisorba 'Tears From Heaven' belongs to the Rosaceae family and produces small, dense flower clusters. Flowers appear in the UK from June to August. Plants in this genus form basal leaves with further foliage arranged along upright stems, and stems commonly reach between 0.5 and 2 metres in mature specimens. The compact flower heads are composed of many tiny florets, ranging in colour from white to red.
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 'Tears From Heaven' sits within the Sanguisorba genus of the Rosaceae family; members of this group are native to temperate parts of the Northern Hemisphere and typically carry basal leaves with pinnate arrangements along erect flowering stems. Flower clusters are small and densely packed, and this cultivar produces its blooms in the UK between June and August. Locate plants where their upright stems can be appreciated through summer; the architecture of the foliage and the dense flower spikes deliver seasonal structure. While individual site requirements vary across cultivars in the genus, these plants characteristically develop a crown of basal leaves with further foliage alternating up the stem and hold their flower clusters on slender stalks, which suits them to mixed perennial borders or naturalistic schemes where vertical accents are useful. Cutting spent flowerheads will tidy the plant's silhouette and extend visual interest later in the season. Because the flowers are borne in compact clusters, they remain noticeable at close range and provide lasting summer presence from June to August, a reliable calendar cue for planning summer displays around them.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sanguisorba
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Exposure
- sheltered to exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Sanguisorba 'Tears From Heaven' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, cottage gardens, cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sanguisorba 'Tears From Heaven'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; can tolerate some drought once established
- Pruning
- Cut back old flower stems after flowering to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- division in spring or autumn, seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Sanguisorba 'Tears From Heaven'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; can tolerate some drought once established.
Where is the best place to plant Sanguisorba 'Tears From Heaven'?
Sanguisorba 'Tears From Heaven' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.
What soil does Sanguisorba 'Tears From Heaven' need?
Sanguisorba 'Tears From Heaven' grows best in well-drained and loamy soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Sanguisorba 'Tears From Heaven'?
Cut back old flower stems after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
Is Sanguisorba 'Tears From Heaven' hardy in the UK?
Sanguisorba 'Tears From Heaven' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Sanguisorba 'Tears From Heaven'?
Division in spring or autumn, seed.
More in the Sanguisorba genus
- Sanguisorba 'Japan'Burnet
- Sanguisorba 'Lilac Squirrel'Burnet

- Sanguisorba 'Blackthorn'Burnet
- Sanguisorba 'Cangshan Cranberry'Burnet
- Sanguisorba 'Chocolate Tip'
- Sanguisorba obtusa white-floweredwhite-flowered Japanese burnet
- Sanguisorba off. 'Pink Tanna'Burnet
- Sanguisorba off. 'Red Thunder'Burnet