Photo of Sanguisorba obtusa close-up, flower by Stan Shebs

Photo by Stan Shebs

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Sanguisorba obtusa

Also Known As

  • Japanese Burnet

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 4a-8b

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Sanguisorba obtusa plant details

Sanguisorba obtusa is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer pink flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Sanguisorba obtusa

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: rosaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: pink blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, cutting garden, unique

GROWING CONDITIONS for Sanguisorba obtusa

USDA Zones: 4a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Sanguisorba obtusa and other species of burnet are uncommon in North American horticulture though they are used to great effect in British gardens. They are long-blooming with unusual flowers and easy to grow. This species forms low mounds of attractive grey-green pinately-compound leaves with serrated edges topped with arching, bottlebrush-like spikes of soft-pink flowers over a long period in summer. Average to moist soils.
Fluffy catkin-like pink blossoms dangle on 2-2 1/2' stems in mid-late summer, above attractive blue green fern like foliage. Burnet likes a soil that is evenly moist, and will suffer during prolonged drought. Attractive to Butterflies.
Residing on wiry arching stems, soft pink fingerlike spikes look fluffy and feminine. They nod lazy heads at the handsome bushy mass of tranquil blue-green leaves marked by indented margins that grows below.

Gardening facts about Sanguisorba obtusa plant

How to Grow Sanguisorba obtusa

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Sanguisorba for your garden

aka Sanguisorba officinalis 'Tanna', Tanna Burnet

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 12"-18"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Sanguisorba 'Tanna' flower by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens
View Plant

aka Burnet

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

7a-8b

Size

Height: 18"

Width: 18"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Sanguisorba hakusanensis flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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More Options

aka Burnet

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

2b-10a

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Sanguisorba menziesii flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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Plant Type

Perennial, Aquatic

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 36"-48"

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • standing water - regular
Photo of Sanguisorba menziesii 'Dali Marble' foliage by Secret Garden Growers
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aka Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'Alba', Burnett

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-8b

Size

Height: 3'-5'

Width: 24"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba flower by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens
View Plant

More Options

+17 more Sanguisorba
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