Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'White Elephant'
slender-leaved burnet 'White Elephant'
A tall, rhizomatous perennial to 1.8m, with rosettes of dark green, pinnate leaves and nodding spikes of bottlebrush-like flowers in summer and early autumn. Flowers open white and turn pale pink.
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | White Pink | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Sanguisorba are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with attractive, pinnate leaves and branched stems bearing terminal spikes of small fluffy flowers with conspicuous stamens
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moderately fertile soil that does not dry out. May require support, see staking (perennials)
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, or by division in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs causing damage to young leaves
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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