Great Burnet
sanguisorba officinalis
Also known as: ["Great Burnet","Burnet"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with pinnate leaves and distinctive reddish flowers in dense spikes.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Sanguisorba |
| Botanical Name: | Sanguisorba officinalis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or border in a partially shaded area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in late winter/early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead, diseased, or overcrowded stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; monitor for sunburn signs.
Watering
every 7–10 days, more frequently during dry periods
Water thoroughly until runoff; allow soil to dry moderately between waterings; avoid frequent shallow watering.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture; avoid compacted soil; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; tolerates cold winters and moderate summers; prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C).
Protect from frost; water early to avoid heat stress; adjust care by season.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during the growing season
Fertilize sparingly; apply before active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Division or root cuttings; division is most reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots.
- Replant immediately.
- Water well.
- For root cuttings, take 2–3 inch sections and plant horizontally.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is dormant or just beginning growth.
Environment
Cool, shaded environment with high humidity for root cuttings; division requires minimal special conditions.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix with added compost or sand; can also be propagated in water for root cuttings.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; rooting hormone may help with root cuttings.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; root cuttings: roots in 4–8 weeks, full plant in a season.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, garden shears, trowel, rooting hormone (optional).
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; take root cuttings in fall for spring planting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to the base or just above a healthy bud; thin out crowded growth to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged stems; thin overcrowded growth; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter if repotting.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with added compost.
Suggestions
Not typically required for garden-grown plants; container plants may need repotting every 2–3 years if root-bound.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil mix; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture with finger; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during growing season; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry partially between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf scorch in excessive heat; stunted growth or dieback in prolonged cold without protection.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn yellow; growth slows or halts; roots can suffer damage in poorly drained soil during freeze.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect roots from frost; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Wilting despite moist soil; leaf edges scorch; reduced flowering or leaf drop.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSanguisorba officinalis is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines after ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicSanguisorba officinalis is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines after ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicSanguisorba officinalis, commonly known as great burnet, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has been used in traditional medicine for its astringent properties and is not known to cause significant toxicity.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Sanguisorba officinalis toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: What are the common uses of Great Burnet?
A: It is used in traditional medicine for its astringent properties and as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Q: Does Great Burnet attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, more freque |
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