Great Burnet Sanguisorba 'Raspberry Coulis'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Raspberry Coulis' has a distinctive appearance characterized by its striking flowers and foliage. The plant is notable for its dense, elongated flower spikes that resemble fluffy bottlebrushes. These striking flower heads are often a rich raspberry red, providing the plant with its common name. The blooms possess a soft, feathery texture, giving the plant an ethereal quality when swaying in the breeze. The leaves of 'Raspberry Coulis' contribute to its overall attractiveness. They are typically pinnate, which means they are composed of multiple small leaflets arranged on either side of a common axis. The leaflets are generally oval-shaped with toothed margins, creating a delicate appearance. They are often a deep green color, which makes a beautiful contrast with the vibrant red of the flowers. Together, the flowers and foliage of 'Raspberry Coulis' create a lush and colorful display, with the flower spikes standing out against the green leaves. The plant has a bushy, clumping growth habit, with its attractive features presented on erect, slender stems. This plant tends to exhibit a natural charm and is often used in garden borders and cottage gardens, where its colors can be appreciated up close.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Garden Burnet, Salad Burnet, Greater Burnet, Official Burnet.
Common names
Sanguisorba 'Raspberry Coulis'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Burnet is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning or adverse effects from ingesting parts of this plant. However, consuming any plant material can potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort if you're not accustomed to it or if it's consumed in large quantities. It is always best to exercise caution and consult with a medical professional or a knowledgeable expert if you are considering ingesting any part of a plant that you are not familiar with.
To pets
Burnet is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. There is limited information available on the toxicity of this specific cultivar 'Raspberry Coulis' to pets. However, the general lack of toxicity in its species suggests that it is unlikely to cause harm to pets if ingested in small amounts. As with any non-food plant, ingestion could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the novelty and fiber content. It is always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants, and if you suspect your pet has ingested a significant amount or is showing signs of illness, contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Temperate Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Sanguisorba 'Raspberry Coulis' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which aid in pollination of gardens and ecosystems.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its tall, raspberry-colored spikes, it adds a striking visual element to any landscape or garden setting.
- Versatility: Suitable for mixed borders, cottage gardens, and meadow planting, providing a range of design options for gardeners.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it is drought tolerant and generally requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Durable: Demonstrates good resistance to pests and diseases, thus reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Long Blooming: It has a long flowering season, which ensures visual interest in the garden for an extended period.
- Ecological Support: Offers food and habitat for a variety of species, thereby supporting local biodiversity.
- Soil Improvement: Can help prevent soil erosion due to its deep root system that stabilizes the soil.
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, dramatic spikes of the Sanguisorba can provide a unique texture and color contrast in bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Garden Design: Garden designers use Sanguisorba to create vertical interest in perennial borders due to its upright growth habit and attractive blooms.
- Culinary Garnish: The flowers of the Sanguisorba can be used as an edible garnish for salads and desserts, adding a subtle flavor and decorative touch.
- Dye Production: Some gardeners use the Sanguisorba plants for natural dye production, where the leaves and stems can impart a range of colors to textiles.
- Craft Projects: Dried Sanguisorba flowers can be incorporated into craft projects such as potpourri mixtures or homemade paper for a rustic look.
- Wildlife Habitat: By planting Sanguisorba in gardens, one can provide food for butterflies and other pollinators that are attracted to its flowers.
- Photography: The striking form and color of the Sanguisorba make it an interesting subject for garden and botanical photography.
- Soil Erosion Control: Due to its clumping habit, Sanguisorba can be planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion to help stabilize the soil with their root systems.
- Environmental Education: The plant can be included in educational gardens or programs to teach about native plants and their role in the ecosystem.
- Theme Gardens: For Gothic or dark-themed gardens, the deep reds of the Sanguisorba 'Raspberry Coulis' can add an appropriately moody accent.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Raspberry Coulis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Raspberry Coulis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Sanguisorba species have been used historically in herbal medicine to stop bleeding and heal wounds, symbolizing physical and emotional healing.
- Protection: The plant's traditional use as a remedy may also signify protection against harm and illness.
- Perseverance: As a hardy perennial, it can represent resilience and the ability to thrive despite challenges.
- Balance: The plant's presence in natural medicine conveys a sense of harmony and balance within the body and life.
WaterThe Burnet 'Raspberry Coulis' should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring moisture reaches the roots. During hot and dry spells, watering may need to increase to twice per week. Provide the plant with about 1-2 gallons of water per session, depending on soil conditions and weather. It's important not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering.
LightBurnet 'Raspberry Coulis' thrives in full sun to partial shade, so it's best positioned in a spot where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. The plant will perform well with morning sun and afternoon shade, which can protect it from the intense heat of midday in hotter climates.
TemperatureBurnet 'Raspberry Coulis' prefers moderate temperatures and can generally handle a temperature range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit comfortably. It can survive temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from extreme cold. Optimal growing conditions are within the moderate temperature range where it can grow vigorously.
PruningPruning Burnet 'Raspberry Coulis' is necessary to maintain its shape and encourage fresh growth. Deadhead spent flowers to stimulate new blooms and cut back the plant by about a third in the late fall or early spring for best results. This promotes dense and bushy growth for the upcoming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Burnet 'Raspberry Coulis' should be rich, moist and well-draining, with a mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand to improve drainage. The soil pH should ideally be around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingBurnet 'Raspberry Coulis' typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingBurnet 'Raspberry Coulis' prefers moderate humidity but can tolerate a range of humidity levels, provided it is not too dry or overly soggy.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and consistent moisture.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA.
Life cycleThe Sanguisorba 'Raspberry Coulis', commonly known as Burnet, begins its lifecycle as a seed, which, when sown in fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded location, germinates to produce small seedlings. Seedlings develop into a rosette of pinnate leaves at ground level, and the plant starts forming an extensive root system. As it matures, the plant sends up flower stalks in early summer, which are adorned with dense, elongated clusters of tiny, deep pink to raspberry red flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. In the autumn, the above-ground foliage of Burnet dies back after frosts, but the plant is a herbaceous perennial, so it overwinters with its rootstock underground. The following spring, Burnet regrows from its crown, repeating its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
Propogation: Sanguisorba 'Raspberry Coulis', more commonly known as Burnet, is best propagated by division, typically in spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully lift the mature plant from the ground, ensuring to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Using a sharp spade or knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, making sure each new section has a portion of the crown and several growth buds. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing at originally, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches (approximately 30 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the new divisions well to help establish them. This method allows for the quick establishment of new plants which retain the characteristics of the parent plant.
