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 4.0 — Sanguisorba
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
- Sanguisorba 'Japan'Burnet
- Sanguisorba 'Lilac Squirrel'Burnet

- Sanguisorba 'Blackthorn'Burnet
- Sanguisorba 'Cangshan Cranberry'Burnet
- Sanguisorba 'Chocolate Tip'
- Sanguisorba 'Tears From Heaven'Burnet
- Sanguisorba obtusa white-floweredwhite-flowered Japanese burnet
- Sanguisorba off. 'Pink Tanna'Burnet
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