Pimpinella saxifraga

RHS Plant Profile
burnet saxifrage

Other common names

bennet, pimpinel, gwreiddiriog

Herbaceous Perennial

A hardy perennial that grows to a height of between 40 and 60cm in height with a spread of around 30cm. It has finely divided, feathery leaves and slender, grooved stems. From June to September, it produces small, airy, white flowers in delicate clusters

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Apiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Pimpinella can be annuals, biennials or herbaceous perennials with simple or pinnately divided leaves and branched umbels of tiny flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe, N Africa, SW Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in a sunny position in fertile, moist but well-drained loamy soil. See Creating wildflower meadows for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seeds outdoors

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

For more information see our page on cutting back herbaceous perennials

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and mice

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and downy mildews