Sanguisorba obtusa (Japanese Burnet)

One of the most ornamental burnets, Sanguisorba obtusa (Japanese Burnet) is a clump-forming perennial with profuse and attractive fluffy, reddish-pink, bottlebrush flowers, elegantly swaying in the breeze in summer. They are borne on arching wiry stems above a particularly handsome foliage of blue-green, divided leaves. Reliable, easy to grow, it is very useful and adaptable in the garden.

One of the most ornamental burnets, Sanguisorba obtusa (Japanese Burnet) is a clump-forming perennial with profuse and attractive fluffy, reddish-pink, bottlebrush flowers, elegantly swaying in the breeze in summer. They are borne on arching wiry stems above a particularly handsome foliage of blue-green, divided leaves. Reliable, easy to grow, it is very useful and adaptable in the garden.

  • Grows in upright, bushy clumps, up to 3 ft. high (90 cm) and 2ft. across (24 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade in fertile, moist, well-drained soils that do not dry out.
  • Makes a lovely accent in beds and borders, cottage or city gardens or wildlife gardens.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Rabbit resistant.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to maintain a neat appearance. Cut back in winter.
  • Propagate by seed in autumn. Propagate by division in spring.
  • Native from Japan to Russia.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 8

Heat Zones 3
– 8

Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Sanguisorba – Burnets
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid)
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 18″
– 24″
(45cm
– 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage