About
Sanguisorba tenuifolia, the slender-leaved burnet, is a compact, clump-forming herbaceous perennial with dark-green, fern-like foliage and tall, slender stems forming a dense mass of bottlebrush, dark-pink flower spikes in summer and early autumn. A beautiful and ornamental burnet for a moist, sunny or lightly shaded border.
About the genus
Sanguisorba, the burnets, are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with attractive, pinnate leaves and branched stems bearing terminal spikes of small, fluffy flowers with conspicuous stamens in summer and autumn. Popular and ornamental border plants for moist, sunny positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Prairie planting
Native toE Asia
Care notes
CultivationWill grow well in moderatelly fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Might require support to avoid collapsing. See staking perennials
PruningCut back in autumn or leave seedhead structure for winter interest
PropagationPropagate by seed or division in spring and autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free