Sanguisorba, commonly known as Burnet. Here is a comprehensive overview for gardeners:

What Makes Sanguisorba So Special?

Sanguisorba stands out for its unique, bottlebrush-like flower spikes that rise above attractive, often fern-like foliage. These are not your typical garden-variety blooms. They add a distinctive textural element and vertical accent that is both delicate and architectural. They sway beautifully in the breeze, adding movement to the garden. Beyond the flowers, the foliage itself is often quite ornamental, contributing to the plant's appeal even when not in bloom. Many species offer a long bloom time, extending the visual interest for weeks. Crucially, they are generally very low-maintenance and reliable.

Description

• Flowers: The flowers are the stars. They are typically dense, bottlebrush-shaped spikes (sometimes more rounded or elongated) held on wiry stems. Colors range from deep burgundy and crimson red to pink, white, and even greenish-white. The spikes are composed of many tiny, individual flowers, often lacking true petals. The stamens (the pollen-bearing parts) are often prominent, giving the flower heads a fuzzy appearance.
• Foliage: The leaves are usually pinnately compound, meaning they are divided into multiple leaflets arranged along a central stem (like a feather). Leaflet shape and texture vary by species, from finely cut and fern-like to more robust and toothed. Foliage color ranges from bright green to blue-green, and some varieties have attractive reddish stems.
• Growth Habit: Most Sanguisorba are herbaceous perennials, meaning they die back to the ground in winter and re-emerge in spring. They typically form clumps, spreading slowly via rhizomes (underground stems). Heights vary considerably, from compact varieties around 1 foot tall to towering species reaching 6 feet or more.

Details

• Bloom Time: Generally, summer to early fall, with some variation depending on species and climate.
• Hardiness: Most are hardy in USDA zones 4-8, with some variation between species. This makes them suitable for a wide range of climates.
• Deer Resistance: Generally considered deer-resistant, a major plus in many areas.
• Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Cut Flower: Many varieties make excellent, long-lasting cut flowers.

Native Habitat

Sanguisorba species are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. They are often found in moist meadows, grasslands, stream banks, and open woodlands. This preference for moist, well-drained soil is a key to their successful cultivation.

Landscaping Design Tips

• Mixed Borders: Sanguisorba excels in mixed perennial borders, providing vertical accents and contrasting beautifully with mounding or spreading plants. Pair them with plants that have contrasting flower shapes (like daisies, coneflowers, or Achillea) or foliage textures (like ornamental grasses or hostas).
• Cottage Gardens: Their informal, airy habit fits perfectly into cottage garden designs.
• Naturalistic Plantings: Their wild origin makes them ideal for naturalistic or meadow-style gardens.
• Focal Points: Taller varieties can be used as striking focal points in the garden.
• Mass Plantings: For a dramatic effect, plant several Sanguisorba of the same variety together.
• Containers: Smaller varieties can be grown in containers, providing a vertical element on patios or balconies. Be sure to use a large enough container and keep the soil consistently moist.
• Companion Plants: Consider these companions:
• Grasses: Molinia, Panicum, Calamagrostis
• Perennials: Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Achillea, Phlox, Veronicastrum, Helenium, Asters, Sedum (taller varieties)
• Plants with Bold Foliage: Rodgersia, Ligularia (for moist, partially shaded locations)

Planting and Care

• Sunlight: Most Sanguisorba prefer full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) to part shade (4-6 hours of sunlight, preferably morning sun). Some species tolerate more shade than others, but flowering may be reduced.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. They prefer consistently moist soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage. They do not like to dry out completely, especially during the growing season.
• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture.
• Fertilizing: A light feeding in spring with a balanced fertilizer is generally sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage continued blooming and prevent self-seeding (if desired). Cut back the entire plant to the ground in late fall or early spring after the foliage has died back.
• Division: Divide clumps every 3-5 years in spring or fall to maintain vigor and propagate new plants.
• Pests and Diseases: Sanguisorba are generally pest and disease-resistant. Powdery mildew can sometimes be a problem in humid conditions with poor air circulation; ensure good spacing between plants.

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Rosales
• Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)
• Genus: Sanguisorba

Morphology

• Roots: Fibrous root system, often with rhizomes.
• Stems: Erect, often branching, and may be reddish or green.
• Leaves: Pinnately compound, with leaflets arranged along a central rachis. Leaflet margins may be toothed, serrated, or lobed.
• Flowers: Inflorescences are dense spikes or heads. Individual flowers are small, lacking petals (or with very reduced petals). The showy part is often the stamens or the colored calyx.
• Fruit: A small, dry achene.

Popular Varieties This is just a small sampling; there are many more!

• Sanguisorba officinalis 'Tanna': Compact (1-2 feet tall), with dark red, rounded flower heads.
• Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder': Taller (3-4 feet), with long, arching, dark red flower spikes.
• Sanguisorba menziesii: (2-3 feet tall) with fluffy, dark crimson flower spikes.
• Sanguisorba hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel': (3-4 feet) with long, arching, fluffy pink flower spikes that resemble squirrel tails.
• Sanguisorba canadensis: (Canadian Burnet) Tall (4-6 feet), with white, bottlebrush-shaped flower spikes. Native to North America.
• Sanguisorba tenuifolia: (5-7ft) A taller species with elegant, drooping flowerheads. S. tenuifolia 'Alba' has white flowers.
• Sanguisorba 'Pink Tanna': A compact variety with pink flowers.

Other Insights for Gardeners

• Self-Seeding: Some Sanguisorba species can self-seed readily, which can be desirable or undesirable depending on your garden design. Deadheading prevents self-seeding.
• Wet Soil Tolerance: While they prefer well-drained soil, some species, like S. canadensis, are quite tolerant of wet soils and can even thrive in boggy conditions.
• Long-Lived: Sanguisorba are generally long-lived perennials, providing years of beauty in the garden.
• Sanguisorba officinalis Medicinal use: Historically, Great Burnet (S. officinalis) was used medicinally, hence the name "officinalis" (meaning "of the shop," referring to the apothecary or pharmacy). It was used to stop bleeding. Do not self-medicate; consult a healthcare professional.
• Great for Pollinators They are very attractive to pollinators.

In conclusion, Sanguisorba offers a unique combination of attractive foliage, distinctive flowers, and easy care. Their versatility makes them a valuable addition to a wide range of garden styles. By understanding their needs and choosing the right varieties, you can enjoy these beautiful and reliable plants for years to come.