Burnet Sanguisorba 'Ivory Towers'
ABOUT
Ivory Towers is a cultivar of Burnet, boasting distinctive features that make it a popular choice for garden enthusiasts. This plant flaunts a robust, clumping habit with pinnate leaves that are lush green in color. The leaves are intricately composed of multiple small leaflets that have a slight serration on the edges, contributing to its textured appearance. During the blooming season, Ivory Towers produces tall, slender spikes that bear tiny, tightly-packed, creamy white flowers. These flower spikes resemble elegant, ivory-colored towers that rise gracefully above the foliage, attracting pollinators to the garden. The plant's overall appearance exudes a blend of structural form and delicate beauty, making it a versatile choice for mixed borders or as an architectural plant in various garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Burnet, Great Burnet, Ivory Towers Burnet.
Common names
Sanguisorba 'Ivory Towers'
ToxicityTo humans
Sanguisorba 'Ivory Towers', commonly known as Great Burnet, does not have a well-documented history of toxicity to humans. There is no widely recognized evidence that suggests the plant is poisonous if ingested. However, as with any plant, individual allergies and reactions may occur, so it is always wise to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants that are not commonly recognized as edible.
To pets
Great Burnet does not have a well-documented history of toxicity to pets such as cats and dogs. There is no widely recognized evidence that suggests the plant is poisonous to pets if ingested. However, individual animals can have unique sensitivities, and it is always best to monitor your pets and keep them from consuming plants that are not meant for their consumption to avoid any potential adverse reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.30-0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Temperate Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Sanguisorba 'Ivory Towers', commonly known as Burnet, is attractive to bees and beneficial insects, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Burnet is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established in the appropriate conditions.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for regions with low rainfall or for gardeners seeking water-wise plants.
- Long Blooming Season: Burnet typically has a long flowering period, which can add aesthetic value to a garden throughout the season.
- Culinary Use: The young leaves of Burnet are edible and can be used in salads, offering a cucumber-like flavor.
- Ornamental Interest: With its tall, elegant flower spikes and attractive foliage, Burnet adds vertical interest and texture to garden beds and borders.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant can provide shelter and food for wildlife, contributing to biodiversity in the garden ecosystem.
- Erosion Control: Burnet's root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Adaptable to Various Soils: It is capable of growing in a range of soil types, though it prefers moist, well-drained conditions.
- Naturalizing Effect: Over time, Burnet can spread to form natural-looking drifts, blending well with other perennials and grasses.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral arrangements: The tall, elegant stems of Sanguisorba can provide an interesting texture and height to cut flower arrangements.
- Dye production: The roots of the plant can be used to produce a natural dye for fabric or other crafting projects.
- Culinary garnish: While not common, the flowers and leaves could be used as a unique, edible garnish on fancy dishes.
- Erosion control: Sanguisorba can be planted in areas prone to erosion to help stabilize the soil with its root system.
- Wildlife habitat: The plant can provide food and shelter for birds and beneficial insects in a garden setting.
- Photography: Its unique flowers and form make it an interesting subject for botanical and garden photography.
- Educational tool: Use the plant in educational settings to teach about botany, horticulture, and plant morphology.
- Theme gardening: The plant can be included in 'white gardens' or 'moon gardens' that feature white and silver plants.
- Companion planting: They may be planted alongside other perennials to create contrasting textures and heights in a border.
- Live fencing: When planted in rows, Sanguisorba can form a low, informal hedge or live fence in a garden landscape.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Sanguisorba 'Ivory Towers', commonly known as Burnet, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Sanguisorba 'Ivory Towers', commonly known as Burnet, is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Peace - The delicate ivory blossoms of Sanguisorba, also known as Burnet, may evoke a sense of peace and serenity, implying tranquility and calmness.
- Healing - Traditionally, Burnet has been used in herbal medicine, potentially symbolizing healing and the restoration of health.
- Protection - Due to its sturdy nature and historic use in herbal remedies to support health, Burnet may also represent protection and safety.
- Purity - The color ivory itself is often associated with purity and cleanliness, which may be reflected in Burnet's 'Ivory Towers' variety.
- Unity - The way Burnet's flowers cluster together could symbolize unity and togetherness, reflecting the strength in numbers and community.
WaterBurnet 'Ivory Towers' prefers consistent moisture, so watering should ensure the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Generally, water once a week supplying about 1 inch of water, which equates to approximately 0.6 gallons per square foot. During hot or dry spells, you may need to water twice a week, ensuring the same amount. Cut back on watering as the weather cools and natural rainfall increases to prevent overwatering which can lead to root rot.
LightBurnet 'Ivory Towers' thrives in full sun to partial shade, meaning it should receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Planting it in a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade would provide ideal light conditions, promoting vigorous growth and flowering while protecting it from the harshest midday sun.
TemperatureBurnet 'Ivory Towers' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 90°F, but the ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 75°F. Avoid exposing the plant to extremes of heat or cold for prolonged periods to maintain its health and hardiness.
PruningPrune Burnet 'Ivory Towers' in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and to maintain its shape. Pruning during this time helps encourage fresh growth and more abundant blooms in the upcoming season. It’s generally not necessary to prune more than once a year, but deadheading spent flowers during the blooming period can promote a longer flowering time.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGreat Burnet 'Ivory Towers' requires well-draining soil with added compost or organic matter. The ideal pH should range from 5.5 to 7.5 to support healthy growth and flowering. Mulching can help maintain soil moisture and temperature.
RepottingGreat Burnet 'Ivory Towers' typically does not need frequent repotting as it is a perennial plant. Repotting may be done every 2-3 years to refresh the soil or if the plant has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingGreat Burnet 'Ivory Towers' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions, making it a versatile plant for different environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or part-shade with good drainage.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleSanguisorba 'Ivory Towers', commonly known as Great Burnet, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically in the cool temperatures of late winter to early spring. The seedlings then develop into a rosette of basal leaves, progressively growing and establishing a deep root system throughout the first season. As the plant matures in its second year and beyond, it sends up tall, erect flowering stems in the summer, displaying elongated, ivory-colored, bottlebrush-like inflorescences that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small dry fruits (achenes) which contain the seeds. Once the seeds are dispersed by wind or wildlife in late summer to fall, the plant enters a period of dormancy, with the aerial parts dying back to the ground with the onset of winter while the root system remains dormant but alive underground. In the following spring, Great Burnet resumes its growth from the existing rootstock, repeating its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Sanguisorba 'Ivory Towers', also known as Burnet, typically involves division. This is usually done in the spring just as the plants begin to grow, or in the fall after the growing season has ended. The gardener would carefully dig up the mature plant, making sure to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Then, using a sharp knife or spade, the clump is divided into smaller sections, ensuring each section has several growth buds. These divisions are then replanted into well-prepared soil, spaced adequately apart to allow for growth. It's vital to keep the newly planted divisions well-watered until they are established. This simple and effective method helps to rejuvenate older plants and increase the number of plants in the garden.
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