Sanguisorba 'Little Angel'

RHS Plant Profile
burnet 'Little Angel'
Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming, compact perennial with pinnate leaves that have irregular saw-toothed margins. Foliage is blue-green (glaucous) with white varigation surrounding the edge. It spreads slowly in a low-growing mat with drumstick-like burgundy flowers held above the leaves.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, Matforming
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile moist, but well-drained soil which does not dry out. Best in full sun or partial shade.

Propagation

Propagate by division in autumn or spring. Propagate by seed sown in cold frames in spring or autumn (variegation will not persist in seed grown plants).

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover

Pruning

Cut back dead stems and foliage in late winter/early spring to ground level.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free