Sanguisorba | Heijnen Plants

Sanguisorba officinalis 'Tanna' Great burnet

5-10cm

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The genus Sanguisorba, commonly known as burnet, offers a delightful touch to any garden with its unique flowering habits and lush foliage. These hardy perennials are well-adapted to a variety of garden settings, bringing a burst of color and texture to borders and group plantings. Recognizable by their erect, bushy growth and the bobbing, bottlebrush-like red blooms, Sanguisorba species are a must-have for the discerning gardener looking to create a dynamic and vibrant landscape.

Key Features

Sanguisorba species, with their varied growth habits and striking flowers, possess several notable characteristics:

These plants are known for their bushy spreading growth habit, which adds volume and a touch of wild elegance to garden spaces.
They exhibit a robust display of flowers during the summer months of July, August, and September, with blooms presenting a vivid red color that attracts onlookers and pollinators alike.
The foliage of Sanguisorba is equally beautiful, boasting blue-green leaves that provide a contrasting backdrop to the red flowers during the flowering season and maintain visual interest throughout the spring and summer.
Reaching an ultimate height of approximately 70 cm, these plants are perfect for creating a mid-level layer in garden designs, offering structure without overwhelming other plantings.
Sanguisorba thrives in full sun to partial shade locations and is adaptable to all soil types, provided they are well-drained, making it an excellent choice for a variety of garden conditions.

Tips

While Sanguisorba does not require pruning, it benefits from division every few years to ensure vigor and to control its spread. This can be done easily by lifting the plant, dividing it into sections, and replanting the divisions.
An average water need means these plants should be watered regularly, especially during prolonged dry spells, to keep them looking their best.
Since they are not evergreen, the plants will die back in winter, making late fall a good time to clean up any spent foliage and prepare the bed for the next year's growth.
The deciduous nature of these plants can be used to advantage in garden planning, as their seasonal die-back allows for creative pairing with early spring bulbs or ground covers that can fill the space when Sanguisorba is dormant.
Ensure to plant Sanguisorba in areas where they will receive ample sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth and flowering.

Types

Imbue your garden with the understated elegance of the burnet, a perennial that boasts a unique aesthetic with its delicate, bottlebrush-like blooms. The Sanguisorba officinalis 'Tanna' variety, in particular, is revered for its compact growth and the grace with which its deep red flowers sway above lush green foliage, adding a touch of whimsy and natural charm to any landscape.

The Sanguisorba officinalis 'Tanna', commonly referred to as the great burnet, is a herbaceous perennial known for its striking red blooms that grace gardens from July through September. Its flowers, standing tall on slender, upright stems, offer a unique visual appeal, adding both height and color to borders and wildflower meadows. The great burnet is not only valued for its aesthetic qualities but also for its hardiness and ease of maintenance, making it a favored choice among garden enthusiasts.

Ideal placement of a Sanguisorba

To maximize its ornamental appeal, Sanguisorba thrives best when planted in a location that offers full sun to partial shade. The presence of adequate sunlight is essential to promote the lush, bushy spreading growth habit that makes this species a standout in any border or group planting. While adaptable to all soil types, it is imperative that the soil is well-drained to ensure the health and vigor of the plant. Regular watering is important, as Sanguisorba does not exhibit drought resistance, yet it should be balanced to prevent waterlogging.

Planting a Sanguisorba

For optimal establishment, Sanguisorba should be planted in a location that offers either full sun or partial shade. The soil should be well-drained, yet this species is adaptable to a variety of soil types. Planting from pots allows for a well-developed root system, facilitating successful transplantation and rooting. After planting, ensure that the soil is kept consistently moist, particularly during the early growth stages. These plants do well in borders and when planted in groups, and they should be spaced to allow for their bushy, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 70 cm in height.

Fertilising a Sanguisorba

To ensure the Sanguisorba thrives, it benefits from fertilization at the start of the growing season. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can support the plant's nutrient needs as it prepares for its blooming period. Given its average water requirements, ensure that the soil is moist when adding fertilizer to facilitate nutrient absorption. A second application of fertilizer may be beneficial midsummer to sustain its vigorous growth and lush, colorful foliage through the flowering months. By supplying the species with the right nutrients at the appropriate times, gardeners can enjoy the full splendor of this plant's bushy growth habit and striking red blooms. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and methods to avoid over-fertilizing, which can be detrimental to plant health.

Pruning a Sanguisorba

Sanguisorba exemplifies low-maintenance with its effortless care routine, particularly when it comes to pruning. The deciduous nature of this plant means that while it will lose its foliage in winter, it does not necessitate pruning to thrive. Should gardeners wish to tidy up the appearance, they can remove spent flower stems after blooming to encourage a neat growth form for the following season. However, this is not a requirement for the health or vigor of the plant, allowing it to maintain a natural, bushy presence in the garden.

Watering a Sanguisorba

The species thrives best when the soil is kept evenly moist, particularly during the growing season. Regular watering should be administered to maintain the desired moisture level, ensuring that the soil does not become waterlogged, as well-drained conditions are vital for the health of the plant. Care should be taken during extended dry spells to provide additional water, as this species is not drought resistant. Watering is most beneficial during the early morning or late afternoon hours to reduce evaporation and provide optimal hydration for the plant's needs.

The characteristics of a Sanguisorba

Sanguisorba, with its delicate, bottlebrush-like flowers, adds a unique textural element to garden designs. The plant's undemanding nature makes it a reliable choice for various garden styles. Its foliage provides a lush green backdrop during the growing season, and the flowers often persist, providing visual interest even after the blooms have peaked. As a bonus, Sanguisorba serves as a valuable source of nectar for pollinators, enhancing the ecological value of your garden.

Separating/dividing a Sanguisorba

To propagate Sanguisorba and maintain its health, division is recommended. Ideally performed in spring or autumn, this process involves carefully lifting the plant from the soil and separating it into smaller sections. Each part should have a good amount of roots and shoots. Replanting these divisions promptly into well-drained soil will encourage a burst of new growth. Regular division, ideally every few years, also helps to control the size of this bushy species and ensures that its distinctive red blooms continue to enhance the garden throughout the flowering months.

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