Sanguisorba
(Burnet) These are not the sort of plant that immediately leaps into the mind when considering plants for the garden, which is a shame because these tolerant, long-flowering hardy perennials are marvellous for creating a see-through effect.
Sanguisorba Flowers
Not particularly showy, the flowers exude a quiet grace that is very appealing. Produced in great quantities, they start to bloom from late June and end around the beginning of September. Each flower spike is made up of many smaller flowers that have no petals, just sepals (these are normally found outside of the petals). As the flower matures thread-like stamens pop out, either in rings that work themselves up the spike or all at once creating a bottle brush effect. If the flower droops the flowers can look like a shaggy tassel. Each spike last for weeks, eventually turning brown and becoming desiccated. If you rub them between your fingers they will fall apart giving you loads of seeds. The flowers are also great for attacting wildlife into the garden.
Left to right: Sanguisorba officinalis, Sanguisorba stipulata, Sanguisorba Sanguisorba menziesii, Sanguisorba obtusa
Sanguisorba Leaves
The leaves are known botanically as pinnate in form. Technically this means feathered, but on Sanguisoba they resemble a ladder that is made up of small leaflets. Toothed around the edges, the foliage of taller varieties creates a clump, while on shorter varieties they form a low mat. The leaves can be large or small and range in tones of green from quite dark to a most attractive shade of grey-green.
Where To Grow Sanguisorba
In the wild Sanguisorba are found in damp soils around the northern hemisphere. I have discovered many varieties (especially the tall ones) will grow happily in dry, sandy soils. If your soil does dry out they are easily revived with a liberal amount of water. They don’t mind a sunny or partly shaded spot.
Left to right: Sanguisorba canadensis, Sanguisorba stipulata var. rishirensis, Sanguisorba 'Tanna', Sanguisorba tenufolia 'Henk Gerritsen'
What To Grow With Sanguisorba
As Sanguisorba range in height from very short to very high, there is a plant for every position in the garden. The shorter types are perfect for the front of the border and sit neatly with Stachys byzantina, short Hardy geraniums and Salvias, while the tall ones will produce a willowy effect right at the back of the border.
Left to right: Sanguisorba menziesii in a mixed border, Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'Alba', Gillenia trifoliata and Nepeta, Sanguisorba hakusanensis with pink Persciaria, Sanguisorba officinalis with Selinum wallichianum
