Great Burnet Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lemon Splash' (v)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Great Burnet 'Lemon Splash' is characterized by its unique and ornamental foliage. The leaves are pinnate, which means they have a central stem with smaller leaflets arranged on either side, similar to a feather. Each leaflet is oval-shaped with serrated edges that provide a textured look. Notably, the 'Lemon Splash' variety stands out with its variegated leaves, displaying splashes or spots of bright yellow or lemony shades that contrast strikingly with the darker green of the leaf. This variegation can bring a light and lively look to the plant, making it a standout in any garden setting. Great Burnet 'Lemon Splash' also bears small, tightly-packed, dark red to maroon button-like flowers that appear atop slim, erect stems. These flowers can add a distinctive vertical accent to gardens. The blooms are not overly showy but possess a certain charm with their bobble-like appearance that can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Overall, the plant has an herbaceous habit, with its foliage and flowers creating a whimsical texture and color display, making it an appealing choice for borders, wild gardens, or as an accent plant to provide visual interest due to its leaf variegation and unique flower structure.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Great Burnet, Salad Burnet 'Lemon Splash', Lemon Splash Great Burnet.
Common names
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lemon Splash'
ToxicityTo humans
Great burnet, which is the most common name of Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lemon Splash', is not known to be toxic to humans. Generally, there are no well-documented cases of poisoning from the ingestion of this plant, and it is occasionally used in herbal remedies and traditional medicine. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or adverse reactions may occur, so it is wise to be cautious if you have never handled or ingested it before.
To pets
Great burnet, the common name for Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lemon Splash', is not recognized as toxic to pets. There is no significant evidence to suggest that animals, including cats and dogs, would experience poisoning from consuming this plant. Nonetheless, pets may sometimes have unexpected reactions to plants not commonly part of their diet, so monitoring for any signs of gastrointestinal upset or allergic reaction is advisable should a pet ingest the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
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: The plant is known for attracting bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate surrounding plants.
- Landscape Aesthetics: The 'Lemon Splash' variety of Great Burnet offers a splash of color with its variegated foliage, adding visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Sanguisorba officinalis is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Soil Erosion Control: The plant has a fibrous root system that can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Culinary Usage: The young leaves of Great Burnet can be used in salads, adding a cucumber-like flavor to dishes.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant can provide habitat and shelter for small wildlife within a garden ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: Great Burnet typically requires minimal care once established, making it an easy choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
Medical Properties- Hemostatic: Sanguisorba officinalis (Great Burnet) has been traditionally used to help stop bleeding both externally and internally.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant has properties that may reduce inflammation, making it useful in the treatment of wounds and skin irritations.
- Gastrointestinal Aid: It has been utilized in herbal medicine to soothe gastrointestinal disturbances and diarrhea.
- Antimicrobial: Great Burnet has been examined for its potential antimicrobial activity, which could help in preventing or treating infections.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lemon Splash', commonly known as Great Burnet, can be used in floral arrangements for its unique, reddish-pink flower spikes that add contrast and interest.
- The seeds of Great Burnet can be used as a food spice, providing a subtle, cucumber-like flavor to dishes.
- Due to its dense and clumping growth habit, Great Burnet can be used as a natural weed suppressant in gardens, outcompeting unwanted plants.
- The dried leaves and flowers of Great Burnet could potentially be used in potpourris for their color and texture contributions.
- Great Burnet can be planted alongside ponds or water features in landscape designs to provide vertical accents, thanks to its tall flowering stems.
- In natural dye-making, the roots of Great Burnet can be used to extract tannins for dyeing fabrics a light yellow or greenish hue.
- The plant can serve as a natural habitat for beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, thereby enhancing biodiversity in gardens.
- Great Burnet's robust root system can help reduce soil erosion when planted on slopes or areas prone to surface runoff.
- The leaves of Great Burnet may be used to feed small domesticated herbivores, such as rabbits or guinea pigs, as part of a varied diet.
- As a cut-and-come-again plant, Great Burnet can be trimmed back to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance in ornamental settings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Great Burnet is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Great Burnet is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing - Sanguisorba officinalis, commonly known as great burnet, has been historically used in herbal medicine for its potential healing properties, particularly in the treatment of wounds and burns.
- Protection - The great burnet's association with blood clotting and staunching wounds in folk medicine gives it a symbolic meaning of protection, as it was thought to help in safeguarding one's health.
- Harmony - The great burnet's non-invasive growth habit and its blending of green foliage with understated flowers can be seen as a symbol of harmony and balance in nature.
WaterGreat Burnet, commonly known as Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lemon Splash', prefers consistent moisture, so watering should be done thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In general, this will mean watering approximately once a week, but frequency should be adjusted depending on weather conditions such as heat and wind, which can dry out the soil more quickly. Each watering session should provide enough water to soak the root zone, which could translate to around 1 to 2 gallons for an established plant, depending on its size and the environmental conditions. During periods of rainfall, you may not need to water as often. It's important not to overwater, as standing water or excessively soggy soil can lead to root rot.
LightThe best light conditions for the Great Burnet involve full sun to partial shade. Ideally, the plant should be positioned where it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily; however, it will appreciate some shade during the hottest part of the day in very sunny, warm climates. Dappled sunlight underneath open-canopy trees or an east-facing spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade would be ideal.
TemperatureGreat Burnet thrives in a wide range of temperatures but prefers moderate conditions. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and can endure summer heat as long as it is well-watered. The ideal temperature range for this perennial is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows for optimal growth and flowering.
PruningGreat Burnet should be pruned to remove spent flower stalks and encourage a second bloom. Additionally, pruning in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, helps maintain its shape and removes any dead or damaged foliage from the previous season. Pruning is typically done on an as-needed basis, and the best time for a major cut back is in early spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGreat Burnet 'Lemon Splash' thrives in a well-draining soil mix with high organic matter content. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite is ideal to ensure good drainage while retaining moisture. The plant prefers a soil pH that is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingGreat Burnet 'Lemon Splash' does not require frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 2-3 years. Check for signs of root crowding and repot in early spring if necessary to promote healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingGreat Burnet 'Lemon Splash' prefers moderate humidity levels. It is adaptable to a range of humidity conditions found in typical outdoor environments and does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in the garden.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air flow.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleSanguisorba officinalis 'Lemon Splash', commonly known as Great Burnet 'Lemon Splash', begins its life cycle as a seed, which, under the right conditions of temperature and moisture, will germinate and sprout a seedling. The seedling then develops into a young plant with characteristic variegated foliage of green with creamy yellow or lemon splashes. As it matures, Great Burnet 'Lemon Splash' forms a clump of upright, herbaceous stems with pinnate leaves and enters the vegetative stage, where it grows and expands its root system. During the flowering stage, usually in the summer, it produces tall, bottlebrush-like spikes of small, reddish-purple flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seed and, if conditions permit, these seeds will disperse to give rise to new plants. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in the winter, where above-ground growth dies back, but the perennial root system survives to regrow the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Sanguisorba officinalis 'Lemon Splash', commonly known as Great Burnet, can be propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. The best time for division is in the spring or autumn when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions promptly, maintaining the same depth at which they were previously growing. Water the new plants thoroughly to help establish them. Divisions should be spaced about 12 to 24 inches (approximately 30 to 61 centimeters) apart to allow ample room for growth.
