Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder'
burnet
Elegant and stylish, while being adaptable and easy to grow, it's not suprising that this stunning perennial is one of Piet Oudolph's favourites.
It forms an attractive clump of feathery foliage, from which the slender, branching stems rise up in summer, each topped with a claret-red flower spike. Not only do these add colour and structural interest, but as they catch the breeze, they also add movement.
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder' will look right at home in both mixed or herbaceous borders, and it's also ideal for more naturalised settings including gravel or prairie-style planting schemes.
It forms an attractive clump of feathery foliage, from which the slender, branching stems rise up in summer, each topped with a claret-red flower spike. Not only do these add colour and structural interest, but as they catch the breeze, they also add movement.
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder' will look right at home in both mixed or herbaceous borders, and it's also ideal for more naturalised settings including gravel or prairie-style planting schemes.
How to care for Sanguisorba officinalis Red Thunder:
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.
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:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
9cm pot
£12.99
available to order from spring
Unavailable
3 × 9cm pots
£29.99
£10.00 each
available to order from spring
Unavailable
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