Sanguisorba officinalis aka Great Burnet

Sanguisorba officinalis is extremely cold-hardy, surviving temperatures down to approximately -25°C (-13°F). It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 and has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is very hardy and can withstand severe winters. The plant is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and is well-adapted to cool climates, though it can tolerate heat in zones up to 8 if given adequate moisture and afternoon shade in hot summer areas.

Sanguisorba officinalis has low fertilizer requirements and thrives in moderately fertile soil. PFAF notes it can grow in nutritionally poor soil, making supplemental feeding largely unnecessary. If growing in very poor soil, a light application of balanced fertilizer in spring may benefit growth.

Sanguisorba officinalis can be propagated by seed or division. Seeds should be sown in spring or autumn in a cold frame; if they don't germinate at room temperature, try a cold stratification period of one month in the refrigerator before returning to warmth. Division of established clumps is best done in spring or autumn. The plant is self-fertile and freely self-seeds if spent flowers are not removed, so you may also find volunteer seedlings around parent plants.

Sanguisorba officinalis produces distinctive dark maroon to burgundy-red flower spikes from June to September. The flowers form dense, cylindrical or oval bottlebrush-like heads (up to 4cm long) held atop slender, upright stems well above the foliage. The plant is hermaphrodite with both male and female organs, and the flowers are attractive to pollinators including bees, flies, and butterflies.

Several notable cultivars of Sanguisorba officinalis are available. 'Tanna' is a compact selection reaching only 45cm (18 inches) with dark red flowers, ideal for smaller gardens. 'Red Thunder' was selected by Dutch plantsman Piet Oudolf for its deep ruby-red bobbles on tall, sturdy stems growing 90-120cm; it's deer resistant and virtually pest-free. 'Pink Tanna' features muted pink flower spikes and grows 45-60cm. 'Martin's Mulberry' offers rich mulberry-colored blooms. These cultivars hybridize easily, and new selections continue to appear in the trade.

Sanguisorba officinalis is exclusively an outdoor plant and thrives in garden settings across USDA zones 4-8. Native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, it grows naturally in grasslands and on grassy banks. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade and ensure consistent moisture.

Sanguisorba officinalis requires minimal pruning. RHS states 'No pruning required' as part of routine maintenance. However, deadheading spent flower spikes can encourage additional blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. More importantly, removing faded flowers prevents the prolific self-seeding that this species is known for. Taller specimens may benefit from staking. In late autumn or early spring, cut back the deciduous foliage to ground level as the plant dies back to its rhizomatous base for winter.

Sanguisorba officinalis is remarkably trouble-free. RHS describes it as 'Generally pest-free' and 'Generally disease-free'. Missouri Botanical Garden confirms 'No serious insect or disease problems'. Specialty nurseries note that cultivars like 'Red Thunder' are 'virtually pest and disease-free' and deer resistant. This exceptional resilience makes great burnet an excellent low-maintenance choice for both experienced gardeners and beginners. The only care consideration is that taller varieties may require staking in exposed locations.

Sanguisorba officinalis is pollinated by insects, primarily bees, flies, and Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). The plant is hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female organs, and is also self-fertile. RHS recognizes it as a 'Plants for Pollinators' species. Great burnet is particularly valuable for wildlife gardens as it provides nectar and pollen during its long flowering season from June to September. Notably, it serves as an important food plant for the European large blue butterflies Phengaris nausithous and P. teleius.

Sanguisorba officinalis has a long history of culinary use, with PFAF giving it an edibility rating of 2 out of 5. Young leaves and flower buds can be eaten raw or cooked, featuring a pleasant cucumber-like flavor. Harvest leaves in spring before flowering for the best taste. The leaves work well in salads and soups, and both fresh and dried leaves can be used as a tea substitute. The plant has been cultivated as a salad herb since the Middle Ages. While generally safe, consumption should be avoided during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data.

Sanguisorba officinalis (known as Di Yu in Traditional Chinese Medicine) has significant medicinal applications with PFAF rating it 3 out of 5 for medicinal value. The root has been used for centuries as a hemostatic agent to stop bleeding, treat burns, and heal wounds. In TCM, it is considered to cool the blood and clear heat, treating conditions like bloody dysentery, hemorrhoids, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Modern research has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and hepatoprotective properties. The famous Ming dynasty pharmacologist Li Shizhen praised it highly. Caution is advised for those on blood-thinning medications.

Beyond food and medicine, Sanguisorba officinalis has practical environmental applications. Its extensive root system makes it valuable for erosion control on slopes and banks. The plant is used as a bioremediator to reclaim derelict sites such as landfills, helping to rehabilitate contaminated soils. The roots contain tannins that have been used industrially. In the garden, great burnet is prized as a pollinator-friendly plant that attracts bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity. PFAF rates its other uses at 2 out of 5.

Sanguisorba officinalis is a deciduous herbaceous perennial that follows a predictable seasonal cycle. In spring, new growth emerges from the rhizomatous base; this is the optimal time for division if needed. Summer brings the main flowering period from June onwards—deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers and prevent self-seeding. In autumn, foliage may display attractive yellow tones before dying back. Cut back old growth in late autumn or early spring. The plant requires no winter protection in zones 4-8, as the underground rhizomes are fully hardy to -25°C.

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Great Burnet is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.