Also known as Burnet · 309 gardener saves
Sanguisorba: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Sanguisorba, the genus most gardeners know as burnet. We track 9 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 9 most-saved Sanguisorba varieties
Of 9 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedGreat Burnet
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Pink Tanna'
#2 most savedLittle Angel Great Burnet
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Little Angel'
#3 most savedJapanese Burnet
Sanguisorba obtusa
Great Burnet
Sanguisorba officinalis
Great Burnet 'Blackthorn'
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Blackthorn'
Great Burnet
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Tanna'
Small-Headed Burnet
Sanguisorba officinalis 'microcephala'
Variegated Japanese Burnet
Sanguisorba obtusa 'Lemon Splash'
Thin-Leafed Burnet
Sanguisorba tenuifolia
How to grow Sanguisorba
What the Sanguisorba varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 9 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Sanguisorba year
- DivideMarch and September100% of varieties
Divide mature clumps every 3-4 years to refresh vigor
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March89% of varieties
Cut back old, dead foliage to the ground before new growth emerges
- DeadheadJune–August44% of varieties
Remove spent flower spikes to maintain a neat appearance
- StakeMay and June33% of varieties
Provide support for tall flower spikes if in a windy location.
Do
- Prune back after flowering to maintain shape
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
- Apply organic compost annually
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t cut back in late fall or winter
What goes wrong with Sanguisorba
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply sulfur fungicide or improve air circulation |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in leaves | Use organic slug bait or handpick during damp evenings |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if necessary |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure well-drained soil and avoid overwatering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply neem oil or sulfur-based fungicide |
Making more Sanguisorba
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring or fall
- Separate into smaller sections with roots intact
- Plant divisions at same depth and water thoroughly
Seeds
- Sow seeds in early spring in prepared soil
- Cover lightly with soil and keep moist
- Germination occurs in 2–4 weeks
Sanguisorba questions
How many types of Sanguisorba are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 9 distinct Sanguisorba varieties. The most popular — ranked by 309 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Sanguisorba grow in?
Across its varieties, Sanguisorba covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Sanguisorba bloom?
Most Sanguisorba varieties bloom in late summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Sanguisorba should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Sanguisorba shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Sanguisorba in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
