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Sanguisorba 'Blackthorn'

burnet

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Slender stems topped with soft bottlebrush blooms bring a light, airy feel to borders just when many summer plants begin to fade.

Sanguisorba ‘Blackthorn’ forms neat clumps of divided green foliage with gently toothed leaflets that create a tidy base in mixed planting. From late summer into mid-autumn, tall wiry stems rise above the leaves carrying small, cylindrical flowers in warm rose-pink tones. The blooms sway freely in the breeze, adding movement and a naturalistic touch that works beautifully in prairie-style planting, wildlife borders and relaxed cottage gardens.

This rhizomatous herbaceous perennial is easy to place in sunny or lightly shaded spots where the soil holds a little moisture but drains well. Pollinators happily visit the nectar-rich flowers, and the upright stems weave nicely through ornamental grasses and other late-season perennials.

How to care for Sanguisorba Blackthorn:

Plant 30-45cm (12-18in) apart in moderately fertile, moist, but well-drained soil, incorporating compost to improve drainage and fertility. Water regularly during the first season to establish deep roots, then reduce watering as it becomes drought-tolerant.

Apply an organic mulch of well-rotted compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds. In late winter or early spring, cut back the previous year's growth to 5-7cm (2-3in) above ground, dividing clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigour. While rarely needed because of its compact stature, staking may be beneficial in very exposed sites.
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
1.2m
Eventual spread:
0.7m
Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

  • InformationThis perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

Product options

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RH30007785
9cm pot
£17.99
sold out
Unavailable
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Standard Delivery£5.99
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