How to grow and care for sanguisorba

Sanguisorbas bear masses of flowers on slender wiry stems. They vary in shape according to variety, being either fluffy and bottlebrush-shaped, catkin-like or small and bobbly, and come in a range of colours from soft pink and white through to mauve, darker pink, and fashionable dark maroon. Sanguisorba foliage forms clumps of divided leaves usually with serrated edges, that are green or blue-green in colour. The height range of sanguisorbas varies according to variety, from as low as 30cm up to 2m. Most sanguisorbas form neat clumps and are not invasive, although they do tend to self-seed freely.

While not grown for ornamental purposes, the culinary herb salad burnet (Sanguisorba minor) belongs to this group of plants. This low-growing British native is best trimmed regularly to produce a regular supply of young, tender leaves rather than being allowed to flower, although it does make an attractive addition to wildflower meadows.

How to grow Sanguisorba

Grow Sanguisorba in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. Water well until established. Trim off faded flowers to prevent self-seeding. Cut back dead growth to the ground anytime from autumn to early spring. Propagate by division, in spring.

Where to grow Sanguisorba

Grow Sanguisorba in sun or partial shade, in good soil that is moisture retentive but drains freely. Once established, Sanguisorba does tolerate spells of dry weather. Grow Sanguisorba as part of a naturalistic, prairie-style, or modern meadow planting as well as to use in more traditional garden borders. Planting in small groups, or repeat planting, both work well. Because Sanguisorba has an airy ‘see through’ habit, there is potential to place taller varieties towards the front of a planting, rather than the typical graduation of short, medium, and tall, from front to back of a border.

How to plant Sanguisorba

Ideally plant Sanguisorba in autumn, during mild spells in winter, or early spring. Only plant in summer if able to keep plants watered for the rest of the growing season. Plant into good soil or improve poor ground before planting by adding organic matter. Firm in thoroughly, water in, and keep watered until established.

How to care for Sanguisorba

Once established, Sanguisorba needs little care apart from cutting back each year. To prevent self-seeding, cut back the faded flower stems before seed ripens. On poorer soils, boost moisture retention by mulching the surrounding soil with garden compost or chipped bark.

Some tall-growing varieties benefit from support, particularly in sites exposed to wind. Ideally, use grow-through supports from spring that quickly become hidden by plant growth. Either buy ready-made supports, construct your own using canes and string or harvest twiggy hazel stems to insert in the ground around the clump.

How to prune Sanguisorba

Cut back dead stems to ground level anytime from autumn to early spring before growth begins.

How to propagate Sanguisorba

Like most herbaceous perennials, Sanguisorba benefits from division every few years as flowering declines on older, congested clumps. Divide clumps from early to mid-spring, using a large knife or sharp spade to cut up the rootball into good-sized chunks. Replant immediately into soil that has been refreshed with well-rotted garden compost or a proprietary soil conditioner, and water well.

Pests and diseases of Sanguisorba

Sanguisorba is generally trouble free once established.

Sanguisorba varieties to grow

A compact burnet from Japan, bearing many wine-red blooms above blue-grey foliage from summer to autumn. Height x Spread: 50cm x 40cm

• Buy Sanguisorba 'Tanna' from Crocus

Upright stems bear long, fluffy pink-purple flower heads that resemble squirrel tails, from summer to autumn. H x S: 1m x 60cm

• Buy Sanguisorba 'Lilac Squirrel' from Crocus

Tall flower spikes appear above feathery foliage, making them perfect for naturalistic and prairie-style plantings. H x S: 1.2m x 60cm

• Buy Sanguisorba 'Red Thunder' from Crocus

Grows in damper soils than other burnets, Large, white flowers contrast with hairy, pinnate leaves that take on red hues towards autumn. Ideal for prairie plantings. H x S: 2m x 1m

• Buy Sanguisorba canadensis from Crocus