Sanguisorba

( san - gwis - SORB - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Sanguisorba, commonly known as Burnet, needs light shade in warm climates and regular water for best performance. All Burnet species are characterized by their feathery flower inflorescences that look like miniature Callistemon spikes. Leaves are green and feathery. These plants grow from creeping rhizomes, and can form herbaceous perennials or small shrublets. Grow Sanguisorba in mixed beds and borders, pollinator, prairie, herb or cut flower gardens, or simply as specimens in the landscape.

Sanguisorba Species and Varietals

The genus Sanguisorba is a member of the plant family Rosaceae and includes around 40 distinct species. Burnet growing zones vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Sanguisorba annua (Annual Burnet, Prairie Burnet)
These plants are native to western and central Canada and the United States, and grow in various habitats, including grassland, sagebrush, and disturbed soils. They can be annual or biennial, reaching 36 inches tall at maturity when in bloom. Flower inflorescences hold up to 50 flowers held on a tall, naked peduncle. Flowers each have four green sepals and no petals.

Sanguisorba canadensis (Great Burnet, Canadian Burnet, White Burnet)
This species grows well in zones 1-6 and 15-17 and is native to eastern North America. It reaches 3-6 feet tall and 3 feet wide and has bright green foliage. Flowers are white and bloom on spikes in late summer through fall. This species will die to the ground when cool temperatures come around, even in mild climates. Leaves must be cooked to be consumed, as they have a bitter taste.

Sanguisorba hakusanensis (Japanese Burnet)
These plants are native to Japan, and are attractive garden ornamentals, producing long-lasting pink to lavender fuzzy, arching plumes. Foliage is grey-green and heavily scalloped. Individual plants reach up to 30 inches tall when in bloom. This species prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Varieties include 'Lilac Squirrel' (with lilac-colored blooms that appear from July through September).

Sanguisorba menziesii (Menzies' Burnet)
Best in zones 1-10 and 14-21, this species is native to the southwestern regions of China. It reaches 2 feet tall and wide, and has spikes of maroon-red flowers in fall. Leaves are bluish-green. Cultivar 'Wake Up' produces dusty rose flowers and grey-green foliage.

Sanguisorba minor (Salad Burnet, Garden Burnet, Little Burnet, Toper's Plant, Pimpernelle, Bunet-Bloodwort)
These edible plants are native to Europe, northwestern Africa, southwestern Asia, and Siberia. It has naturalized in North America, New Zealand, and Australia, but plants are not considered to be invasive. Flowers are crimson and held in rounded heads on thin reddish stems. They form large taproots, and are considered to be drought-tolerant. Plants can live up to 20 years. This species is typically grown in wildflower gardens, in containers, kitchen gardens, or as erosion control or post-fire weed control. Grows well in zones 1-10 and 14-21.

Sanguisorba obtusa (Nanbutouutisou)
This species, native to Japan, reaches up to 5 feet tall and 3.3 feet wide when mature. Foliage is grey-green and flowers are bright pink, blooming on wiry stems in summertime. These plants can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including full sun or partial shade. They do prefer moist soil.

Sanguisorba officinalis (Great Burnet, Greater Burnet, Greater Salad Burnet, Burnet Bloodwort)
Native to cooler regions in the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, northern Asia, and North America, these plants prefer to grow in grasslands. They are widely used for erosion control and bioremediation, and produce flowers in June through July. Blooms are deep blood-red and stems are green.

Caring for Sanguisorba

Sanguisorba plants are typically purchased as seed, though some nurseries may carry specimens as well. They do well massed together in groups to create a visual spectacle. Keep in mind that some of the taller varieties may need some structure to remain upright, especially if they are grown in a breezy area of the landscape. Plant your Sanguisorba in a spot in the garden that receives full sun to partial shade. Ideally, these plants like to get between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day to flower well, though in warmer climates they do appreciate some afternoon shade. Ensure that soil is well-draining, moderately fertile, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly neutral). Some species, such as Sanguisorba minor (Salad Burnet) can handle a pH of as low as 4.6 (acidic). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, Burnet plants like a moist soil but can also tolerate short spells of dry weather.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Pruning is relatively straightforward: simply remove spent flowering stems as they fade. If you will be harvesting seeds for propagation, make sure to leave a few seed heads to mature on plants. In early spring, cut back the whole plant to the ground before new growth beings. These perennial plants should be divided every few years. A good indication that Burnet needs dividing is flower decline. For instructions on how to successfully divide a Burnet plant, see the Propagation section below.

Harvesting Sanguisorba Cut Flowers
Sanguisorba, also known as Great Burnet, Meadow Pimpernel, and simply Burnet, is a popular cut flower. They are typically harvested in the summer and fall seasons, and are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy or height and structure to arrangements and bouquets. Burnet flowers have a vase life of between 7 and 10 days. Harvest flowering stems when the deep red, elongated flower heads have their full color. Remove all foliage below the water line of the vase before arranging.

Harvesting Sanguisorba Leaves
Sanguisorba, or Burnet, plants are cultivated for their edible foliage in addition to their beautiful blooms. The most common species grown for this purpose is Sanguisorba minor, or Salad Burnet, though other species (such as Sanguisorba officinalis) produce edible leaves as well. The flavor of the leaves is compared to Cucumber fruits, and are commonly added to salads or soups, used as garnish, or added to teas. Young leaves are harvested throughout the growing season beginning when plants are at least 4 inches tall. They have the best flavor before plants produce flowers. Harvest the outer stems first, cutting leaves from the plant cleanly at the base. Avoid harvesting more than 1/3 of the foliage at once. Leaves can be used fresh or dried.

Propagation

Sanguisorba, or Burnet, can be propagated by division or seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant, especially if you are propagating a hybrid cultivar. These plants will also re-seed freely in the garden, and volunteer seedlings can be dug up and replanted elsewhere. To propagate your Burnet flowers, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Sanguisorba by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Sanguisorba by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in early spring (after the plant has entered dormancy, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your gloved fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.

Sanguisorba seed heads form where flowers once bloomed.

Sanguisorba seeds are textured and light brown to tan in color.

Problems and Pests

Sanguisorba plants, though typically considered resilient, can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: