Great Burnet Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder'
ABOUT
Great Burnet 'Red Thunder' presents itself as a stunning perennial with a distinctive appearance. The plant blooms with small, deep red, bottlebrush-like flowers that cluster densely atop tall, upright stems, giving a striking vertical interest to gardens. The flowers tend to have a fluffy texture, adding a sense of softness and motion, especially when the wind gently sways the stems. The foliage of Great Burnet 'Red Thunder' is equally attractive, with pinnate leaves that are intricately divided into smaller leaflets. The leaves are typically medium green, creating an appealing contrast against the darker red of the flowers. Overall, this cultivar of Great Burnet offers a bold texture and color, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to add vertical elements and rich hues to their plantings. Its bloom period extends through summer, attracting pollinators and providing long-lasting visual interest.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Great Burnet, Official Burnet, Garden Burnet.
Common names
Sanguisorba officinalis.
ToxicityTo humans
Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder') is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning or toxic symptoms associated with ingestion of this plant.
To pets
Great Burnet is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among commonly recognized poisonous plants for pets, and there are no specific symptoms associated with poisoning from this plant. However, individual animals may have unique sensitivities, so it's always prudent to monitor their health and consult a veterinarian if any unusual signs occur after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Temperate Northern Hemisphere
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder', commonly known as Great Burnet, attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Great Burnet is a hardy perennial that requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Drought Tolerant: It is generally drought-resistant, which is beneficial for water conservation and regions with less rainfall.
- Soil Erosion Control: With its extensive root system, Great Burnet helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The deep red, bottlebrush-like flower spikes of Great Burnet add unique visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides shelter and food for wildlife, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
Medical Properties- Hemostatic: Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder') has traditionally been used to help stop bleeding both internally and externally.
- Anti-inflammatory: The roots and aerial parts are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that may alleviate inflammation in the body.
- Astringent: The plant's astringent qualities are thought to help in toning and tightening tissues, as well as reducing discharges.
- Antioxidant: Great Burnet contains compounds that may act as antioxidants, helping to neutralize free radicals and support overall health.
- Gastrointestinal support: It is sometimes used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and dysentery on account of its astringent effects.
- Antibacterial: There is some evidence to suggest that Great Burnet possesses antibacterial properties, although the scope and efficacy require further study.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The deep red flowers of Sanguisorba officinalis, commonly known as Great Burnet, can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics or paper, imparting a subtle red hue.
- In floral arrangements: Great Burnet's distinctive bottlebrush-shaped flowers add an interesting texture and vertical accent to both fresh and dried floral arrangements.
- Erosion control: The robust root system of Great Burnet helps stabilize soil on slopes, making it suitable for erosion control in landscape design.
- Companion planting: Great Burnet is believed to repel certain pests, making it a useful companion plant in vegetable gardens or orchards to promote a healthier crop yield.
- Culinary use: Though not commonly used, the young leaves of Great Burnet can be added to salads or used as a herb for a cucumber-like flavor.
- Festive decorations: With its striking flowers, Great Burnet can be included in wreaths and festive garlands during the holiday season.
- As a natural coagulant: The plant has been traditionally used in making cheese, as the juice from its leaves can serve as a coagulant due to its tannin content.
- Edible flowers: The bright flowers of Great Burnet can be crystallized or used as an edible garnish for desserts and other culinary presentations.
- Wildlife habitat: Great Burnet can be planted to create a habitat for beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which are attracted to its flowers.
- Photography subject: With its uncommon floral structure, Great Burnet is an intriguing subject for photographers, especially those focusing on botanical themes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Great Burnet is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Great Burnet is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Sanguisorba officinalis, commonly known as Great Burnet, has been used in herbal medicine to treat various ailments, symbolizing its association with healing and health.
- Protection: With its strong medicinal properties, Great Burnet has been thought to offer protection against diseases and ill health.
- Unity: The dense clusters of tiny flowers may represent unity or togetherness, as they create a visually united form.
- Harmony with Nature: As a perennial herb that blends well into meadow landscapes, Great Burnet is often associated with living in balance with the natural world.
WaterGreat burnet, commonly known as Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder', prefers consistent moisture, so water this perennial plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the growing season, which is typically spring through fall, Great burnet may need watering about once or twice a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. A good method is to water deeply and slowly, ensuring the water reaches the root zone. Aim to provide around 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant to saturate the soil thoroughly. During winter, reduce the watering frequency as the plant enters dormancy and the soil tends to retain moisture for a longer period.
LightGreat Burnet thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location would provide at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day, with some afternoon shade in areas with hot summer climates. Ensure that the plant receives ample light to promote strong growth and abundant flowering.
TemperatureGreat Burnet is hardy and can handle a range of temperatures, but it grows best when the temperature is between 50°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to around -30°F, but the maximum temperature should not exceed 85°F for prolonged periods to avoid stress to the plant.
PruningGreat Burnet should be pruned to maintain its shape, remove spent blooms, and encourage further flowering. The best time to prune is after the first flush of flowers fades in the summer. Cut back about one-third of the plant’s height to stimulate a second bloom. Pruning can be done annually, and any dead or damaged stems should be removed as needed to keep the plant healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGreat Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder') thrives in a moist, well-draining soil with a pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. A soil mix rich in organic matter or compost would benefit the plant, ensuring soil fertility and adequate moisture retention.
RepottingGreat Burnet does not require frequent repotting. It should be repotted only if it has outgrown its current container. This might occur every 2-3 years to ensure the soil remains fertile and the roots have space to grow.
Humidity & MistingGreat Burnet prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to different humidity conditions as long as soil moisture is maintained consistently.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; keep soil consistently moist.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleGreat Burnet 'Red Thunder' begins its life cycle as a seed, which will typically germinate in early spring under suitable conditions of moisture and temperature. Once germinated, seedlings emerge and develop a basal rosette of pinnate leaves, and the plant enters a vegetative growth phase. Throughout spring and early summer, it develops upright stems and mature foliage, preparing for the reproductive phase. By mid to late summer, the plant produces distinctive dense, ovoid to globular inflorescences with reddish-purple flowers attractive to pollinators. After pollination, usually by insects, seeds develop and are eventually dispersed near the parent plant or farther away by wind or animals. The life cycle can continue from these new seeds the following year, while established plants may die back to the root in winter, reemerging in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Spring-Early Summer
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder', commonly known as Great Burnet, is typically propagated by division. The best time for dividing Great Burnet plants is in the early spring as new growth emerges or in the fall after the growing season has ended. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and use a sharp spade or knife to divide the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least a couple of shoots and a portion of the root system intact. These divisions can then be replanted into prepared soil, spaced about 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 61 centimeters), at the same depth they were originally growing. Divisions should be watered thoroughly after planting to help establish the new plants.
