Great burnet Sanguisorba officinalis
Great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Rosaceae family, native to Europe, temperate Asia and north-western North America. It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -32 °C (-26 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
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Great burnet at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -32 °C (-26 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 7–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Europe, temperate Asia and north-western North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea |
Is Great burnet toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Great burnet
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Questions about Great burnet
- How far apart should I plant Great burnet?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Great burnet need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Great burnet need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Great burnet?
- It tolerates about -32 °C (-26 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Great burnet flower?
- From about June for 7–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Great burnet poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Great burnet?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Wildflowers and meadows, Plantlife (UK)
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Small crimson-brown bobbles on tall wiry stems over neat pinnate leaves. A plant of old damp hay meadows, now also a favourite of naturalistic planting, and it stands well with grasses.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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