Growing Sanguisorba (Burnet)

Pronunciation: san-guih-sor'-bah

Spires of loose, bottlebrush flowers nodding on fine, wiry stems above neat mounds of crimped, narrow foliage decorate the late summer garden. Burnets are happiest in a sunny spot where the soil stays moist and, when not in bloom, their leaves add textural interest.

Light/Watering: Full sun or partial shade. Water thoroughly after planting. After the first week, give a new plant a good soaking once a week during summer, unless rainfall is plentiful (more than 1in per week). Established plants can generally get by on less water, but Sanguisorba does best if the soil remains evenly moist.

Fertilizer/Soil and pH: Moist, well drained soil. We recommend against fertilizing at planting time and during the first growing season in your garden. Plants need time to settle in before being pushed to grow. Most established plants grow best if fertilized with a light hand. We fertilize perennials just once -- in early spring -- with a light but even coverage of a balanced, granular fertilizer (such 10-10-10 or an organic fertilizer). If a concentrated, water-soluble fertilizer is used, please follow the manufacturers' recommendations carefully.

Continuing Care: Cut back foliage after blooming if it looks tired. Burnet forms dense, running clumps, and can be divided in early spring.