Greater burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis)

Overview

Greater burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) is a highly versatile, clump-forming herbaceous perennial cherished by gardeners for both its ornamental structure and its practical culinary uses. This plant, commonly known as great burnet, produces spikes of rich, dark purple flowers during early summer, adding deep color contrast to garden borders. Beyond aesthetics, the younger leaves of Sanguisorba officinalis offer an excellent, slightly cucumber-flavored addition to salads and soups, making it a rewarding dual-purpose addition.

This rhizomatous perennial naturally reaches heights between 2.5 and 3 feet, forming neat mounds that require minimal care once established. It thrives best when situated in full sun and provided with average, well-drained soil conditions. Gardeners appreciate the low maintenance level associated with Sanguisorba officinalis, allowing it to naturalize gracefully or anchor formal herb plantings.

Its historical significance is noted in its genus name, derived from Latin related to stopping blood flow, underscoring its long-standing use. Whether used for its late spring blooms or its fresh young foliage, Greater burnet offers durable performance and structure throughout the growing season.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Rosaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: Asia, Europe, North America
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2.5-3 ft
  • Spread: 2-3 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Dark red to black purple
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Sanguisorba officinalis should ideally occur in spring or fall, allowing the strong roots ample time to establish before summer heat. Select a site offering full sun exposure, although it can tolerate light afternoon shade in the hottest climates. This species is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil; avoid consistently soggy conditions, which can impede long-term health.

Ongoing care for Greater burnet is straightforward, aligning with its low maintenance rating. Water moderately, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not saturated, especially during dry spells. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the plant is situated in average garden loam.

To manage its tendency to self-seed aggressively, prompt removal of spent flower spikes (deadheading) immediately after blooming is highly recommended. This simple deadheading maneuver effectively prevents unwanted seedlings from emerging in surrounding beds. Taller plants may occasionally require staking or other support if foliage becomes floppy, particularly after heavy rains.

Landscape Uses

Greater burnet is suitable for a variety of roles, listed under its suggested uses as an Herb, for Naturalizing, or as an accent in Borders. Its stately, upright habit makes it an excellent structural element in the middle or back row of a mixed border, where its dark flowers stand out against lighter companions. As an herb, it fits perfectly within dedicated culinary or vegetable gardens.

Consider planting Sanguisorba officinalis alongside plants that appreciate similar moisture levels but offer contrasting textures, such as ornamental grasses or silvery-leaved Salvias. When naturalizing, allow it space to spread via its rhizomes, creating drifts of texture near streams or in partially sunlit meadows.

Its historical use as a culinary herb further enhances its appeal in edible landscapes. Grouping several plants creates a significant visual impact while ensuring a steady supply of young leaves for kitchen use throughout the spring.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Sanguisorba officinalis, called great burnet, is a clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial which typically grows to 3’ tall. Features compound odd-pinnate, medium green, basal leaves (7-25 serrate leaflets each) and small terminal spikes (to 1.5” long) of dark purple flowers in summer. Stems are sometimes tinged with red. Has ornamental value, but is often grown as a culinary herb: leaves (especially younger ones) are excellent in salads and soups. Genus name comes from the Latin words sanguis meaning blood and sorbeo meaning to soak up for its use to stop bleeding. Specific epithet means sold in shops.

Tolerances

• Deer

Potential Problems

This perennial generally displays excellent resilience, showing no serious insect or disease problems under cultivation. The primary care concern relates to its structure; taller plants may need staking or other support to prevent flopping, especially if situated in rich, moisture-retentive soil or exposed to strong winds. Proactive deadheading helps control its natural tendency to freely self-seed and spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Greater burnet suitable for?

Sanguisorba officinalis is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8.

How large does Greater burnet grow?

This perennial typically matures to a height between 2.5 and 3 feet tall, with a spread generally ranging from 2 to 3 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Sanguisorba officinalis need?

Sanguisorba officinalis requires full sun to achieve its best growth and flowering performance.

When does Greater burnet bloom?

You can expect the dark red to black purple flowers of Greater burnet to appear between May and June.

Conclusion

The Greater burnet offers a compelling combination of aesthetic beauty, demonstrated by its unique dark plumes, and practical value as an edible herb. Because Sanguisorba officinalis thrives in full sun and requires a low maintenance commitment, it is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking established structure without intensive upkeep. Before planting, ensure your chosen location falls within USDA Zones 4-8 and offers the medium moisture conditions it prefers.

Companion Planting

When planning a mixed border around Sanguisorba officinalis, select companions that thrive in full sun and well-drained, average soil. Plants with finely textured foliage or lighter-colored blooms will contrast beautifully with the coarse leaves and deep purple flowers of the Greater burnet. Consider pairing it with taller, silvery herbs like Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) or airy white salvias to enhance the vertical presentation throughout the summer months.

Propagation Tips

Propagation for Sanguisorba officinalis is best achieved through division, capitalizing on its naturally occurring rhizomatous nature. Dig up the clumps in early spring or fall, typically every three to five years to refresh the plant structure. Carefully separate the rootball into smaller sections, making sure each division possesses healthy roots and a few growing points. Replant these divisions immediately into prepared soil at the same depth they were originally growing.