Overview

Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Sanguisorba, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, prairie planting, wildflower meadow and flower borders and beds.

About

Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba, known as white-flowered slender-leaved burnet, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Rosaceae family. It grows to a height of 1.5 to 2.5 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full height within 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for east, south, or west-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels, and offers seasonal interest from spring through to autumn.

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 4.0Sanguisorba

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sanguisorba

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Clay, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba

Propagation
Division in spring or autumn
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba?

Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba need?

Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam, clay and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How big does Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba grow?

Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.

Is Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba hardy in the UK?

Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba?

Division in spring or autumn.

More in the Sanguisorba genus

Browse all Sanguisorba

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