Japanese Burnet Sanguisorba obtusa 'Chatto'
ABOUT
The plant known as Burnet 'Chatto' is an ornamental perennial favored for its distinctive appearance. This variety presents a clumping growth habit, forming a mounding shape composed of lush, green, pinnate leaves that offer a somewhat fern-like texture to garden spaces. These leaves are often elegantly divided, creating a feathery look that is both dense and soft. Throughout the blooming period, Burnet 'Chatto' is adorned with unique, bottlebrush-like flower spikes that make a dramatic visual statement. These inflorescences are dense, with a cylindrical shape, and present a deep pink to reddish hue that can add a striking contrast against the green foliage. Often, the flowers appear atop slender, upright stems that rise above the foliage, giving an airy and whimsical quality to the overall plant structure. The charm of Burnet 'Chatto' lies not just in its individual attributes but also in how it sways gently with the breeze, providing motion and a delicate, almost balletic quality to a garden space. Its color palette and textural qualities make it a versatile choice for gardeners looking to create varied and layered plantings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Japanese Burnet 'Chatto', Chatto Burnet
Common names
Sanguisorba obtusa 'Chatto'.
ToxicityTo humans
Sanguisorba obtusa 'Chatto', commonly known as Burnet, is not widely known to be toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence that suggests the consumption or contact with Burnet results in poisoning or adverse health effects in humans. Consequently, there aren't standard symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant for humans, as it is generally considered non-toxic. However, individual allergies and sensitivities may occur, so it is advisable to exercise caution before ingesting any plant matter that is not commonly used as food.
To pets
Burnet is not widely recognized to be toxic to pets. There is a lack of documentation on the toxicity of Sanguisorba obtusa 'Chatto' to pets, including cats and dogs, which indicates that it is generally considered safe around animals. This suggests that there are no specific symptoms of poisoning to look out for in pets that have ingested this plant. However, pet owners should always monitor their animals for any signs of distress after ingesting any plant material, as individual reactions can vary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3 feet [0.91 meters]
Spread
1.5 feet [0.46 meters]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its puffy, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in summer.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites beneficial insects, like bees and butterflies, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little care beyond occasional deadheading to promote more blooms.
- Deer Resistant: Less palatable to deer, which can help prevent damage to the plant and surrounding flora.
- Long Blooming: Produces flowers for an extended period, usually from early to late summer.
- Cold Hardy: Can survive in colder climates, making it suitable for a variety of landscapes.
- Soil Adaptability: Adapts to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sanguisorba obtusa 'Chatto', also known as the Japanese burnet, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing subtle greenish to yellowish hues depending on the mordant used.
- The fibrous stems of the Japanese burnet can be harvested and processed into a rough paper or cardboard-like material.
- You can plant Japanese burnet as part of a bee-friendly garden since it produces flowers that are attractive to pollinators.
- The dried seed heads of the Japanese burnet can be used in floral arrangements, adding texture and interest.
- Japanese burnet's dense growth habit makes it appropriate for use as a low, informal hedge in garden design.
- The tall and elegant flowering spikes can be used in Japanese garden settings to provide vertical interest and reflect an aesthetic of simplicity and grace.
- In garden ponds or water features, Japanese burnet can be grown at the water's edge to help stabilize the bank and provide shelter for aquatic wildlife.
- The plant can be used in culinary presentation, where its unique seed heads serve as a decorative element on food platters.
- Gardeners might use the vivid green leaves as a natural mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
- As a companion plant in vegetable gardens, Japanese burnet could potentially deter certain pests with its distinctive fragrance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Sanguisorba, commonly known as burnet, has historically been used for its medicinal properties, especially in healing wounds.
- Protection: In some cultures, burnet was believed to offer protection against evil and negativity, likely due to its robust nature and healing abilities.
- Strength: The hardy nature of burnet can symbolize resilience and the ability to persist through challenging conditions.
WaterBurnet 'Chatto' prefers consistently moist soil, especially during summer months. It should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and soil type. In terms of amount, aim for approximately 1 inch of water each week. This can be equivalent to about 0.6 gallons per square foot of soil area, assuming minimal evaporation. During periods of drought, the watering frequency may need to increase, but always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid over-saturation.
LightThe Burnet 'Chatto' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. However, it can also tolerate a bit more shade, making it versatile for various garden spots. It's essential to protect it from the harsh afternoon sun in areas with extremely hot summers to prevent scorching.
TemperatureThe Burnet 'Chatto' can tolerate a temperature range from approximately -30 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, making it quite hardy. Ideally, this plant grows best in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which promotes healthy growth without stress.
PruningThe Burnet 'Chatto' should be pruned to remove spent flower stalks and encourage additional blooms. Late winter or early spring, before new growth starts, is the best time for pruning. Pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season to maintain the desired shape and remove any damaged or diseased foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Burnet requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden loam, compost, and perlite or sand would be an ideal soil combination for optimal growth and health.
RepottingBurnet should typically be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and to accommodate the growth of the plant. This will prevent the roots from becoming overly cramped and maintain the plant's vigor.
Humidity & MistingBurnet thrives with moderate to high ambient humidity but is quite adaptable and can withstand some degree of variability in humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Burnet in bright, indirect light; maintain moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Burnet in full sun to part shade with moist soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Sanguisorba obtusa 'Chatto', commonly known as Burnet, commences with seed germination in spring when soil temperatures are favorable. Seedlings develop into rosettes of pinnate leaves at ground level before sending up flower stalks in early to mid-summer, displaying dense, oval heads of tightly packed, small dark pink flowers. After pollination, often by insects, the flowers develop into small, dry, single-seed fruits called achenes. Seeds will either fall to the ground to potentially germinate the following spring, or be dispersed by wind or wildlife. During autumn, the plant's foliage may die back, especially in colder climates, retreating to its root system which survives underground through the winter. In each subsequent year, the perennial Burnet re-emerges from these roots to restart the cycle, slowly expanding in clump size over time.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Sanguisorba obtusa 'Chatto', commonly known as the Greater Burnet, is commonly propagated by division, which is best done in early spring as plants are coming out of dormancy or in the fall after the growing season has concluded. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of the plant from the ground using a garden fork or spade, keeping as much root mass intact as possible. Then, using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, making sure each new section has a portion of the root system and several shoots. Replant these divisions promptly, spacing them at an appropriate distance to allow for growth, typically about 18 to 24 inches apart (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters). Water the newly transplanted divisions well to help establish them in their new locations.
