The Story
Plant Bio
Sanguisorba obtusa 'Lemon Splash' is a clump-forming perennial with distinctive pinnate leaves that are heavily splashed and streaked with creamy yellow. In late summer, it produces bottlebrush-like spikes of fluffy, pinkish-red flowers.
This cultivar is prized for its dramatic variegated foliage, which brightens the garden all season long, more so than its flowers. It is a stable variegation.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Japan (species)
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Mid-summer – Late summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or divisions into prepared soil in early spring.
- Water thoroughly after planting to establish roots.
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with balanced fertilizer.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
- Divide every 3–4 years in early spring for best vigor.
Pro Tip
Plant in well-drained soil with partial sun for best flowering.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune back after flowering to maintain shape
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t allow soil to stay waterlogged
- Refrain from heavy fertilizing late in the season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Variegated Japanese Burnet questions
What zones can Variegated Japanese Burnet grow in?
Variegated Japanese Burnet is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Variegated Japanese Burnet deer resistant?
Yes — Variegated Japanese Burnet is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Variegated Japanese Burnet bloom?
Variegated Japanese Burnet typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Variegated Japanese Burnet need full sun?
Variegated Japanese Burnet does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Sanguisorba to compare
Pink Tanna Sanguisorba
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Pink Tanna'
Japanese Burnet
Sanguisorba obtusa
Little Angel Great Burnet
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Little Angel'
Great Burnet
Sanguisorba officinalis
Great Burnet 'Blackthorn'
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Blackthorn'
Tanna Great Burnet
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Tanna'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Variegated Japanese Burnet with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.