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Herbaceous Perennial

Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'Sturdy Guard'

A spreading, clump-forming perennial up to 1.2m high with green, finely divided leaves and wiry, branching stems bearing long, bottlebrush-like heads of very dark red flowers in summer and early autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn Red Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical 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

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
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slug damage on young leaves

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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