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Herbaceous Perennial

Sanguisorba officinalis 'Japan'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

great burnet 'Japan'

A clump-forming deciduous perennial to 60-90cm tall, with deeply dissected, greyish-green leaves composed of leaflets, and bearing tall stems with clusters of small dark crimson egg-shaped flowerheads during late summer and autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Green
Summer Red Grey Silver Green
Autumn Red Grey Silver Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or 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 a moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil that does not dry out, in full sun or partial shade. May need support (see staking perennials) and the rhizomes may spread and have the potential to become nusiance so site with care

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required, tidy after flowering if necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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