About

A spreading, clump-forming perennial up to 1.5m high with leaves divided into 15-19 toothed leaflets and wiry, branching stems bearing bottlebrush-like heads of dark red to purple flowers in summer and 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Sand, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting

Care notes

CultivationGrow in in full sun or partial shade, in soil that does not dry out in summer
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free