Korean Burnet Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'Pieters'
ABOUT
Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'Pieters', commonly known as the Korean burnet, exhibits a unique and ornamental appearance that catches the eye in garden landscapes. This perennial plant features a clumping habit with a base of pinnately compound leaves that are neatly arranged on slender, upright stems. The leaves themselves are intricately divided into pairs of small, narrow leaflets that have a delicate, fern-like appearance. They are typically a lush green, providing a contrasting backdrop to the plant's distinctive flowers. The blooms of the Korean burnet are particularly remarkable. They develop on tall, erect stalks that rise elegantly above the foliage, though specifics of the flower stalks' size are not within the scope of this description. These flowers form in dense, elongated, bottlebrush-like spikes. Their color can range from a deep, purplish-red to a lighter pink, with each tiny, tightly packed flower contributing to the cylindrical shape of the overall inflorescence. The flowers are devoid of petals, displaying instead a tuft of prominent, colorful stamens that give them a feathery, airy look. This distinctive flowering characteristic adds not only visual interest but also an attractive texture to the plant's profile. Bloom time typically occurs during the summer months, providing a long-lasting display of color and form. While the Korean burnet's dimensions are not to be detailed here, its overall shape and structure contribute to a vertical architectural element in the garden. The plant holds its own as a singular specimen or when planted in groups, forming an appealing and rhythmic pattern of foliage and floral spikes. Korean burnet's non-flowering attributes continue to impress even after the blooming period, with the foliage maintaining its appeal into the fall. The combination of its fine leaves and striking blooms makes it an excellent choice for mixed borders, informal cottage garden styles, or naturalized plantings, offering texture, color, and vertical interest without discussing the specific spatial dimensions.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Korean Burnet, Narrow-Leaved Burnet.
Common names
Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'Pieters'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant referred to, commonly known as the Chinese burnet, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning, and ingestion of parts of this plant typically does not result in any harmful consequences. However, as with any plant material, individuals may have allergic reactions or sensitivities, and it's always advisable to consume plants that are known to be safe and edible.
To pets
The Chinese burnet is not known to be toxic to pets either. There are no specific symptoms associated with poisoning from this plant since it is not considered poisonous. As with humans, individual animals may have unique sensitivities, so caution should always be exercised when allowing pets to come into contact with plants. However, the ingestion of Chinese burnet is usually not associated with any serious health consequences in pets.
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
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'Pieters', commonly known as the Japanese burnet, adds visual interest to gardens with its unique, bottlebrush-like crimson flower spikes and bluish-green foliage.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the Japanese burnet is quite drought-resistant, making it a suitable choice for water-conserving landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the Japanese burnet are attractive to bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination of plants in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional watering and no regular pruning.
- Deer Resistance: The Japanese burnet is not palatable to deer, making it a good option for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Long Blooming Period: This plant has a long flowering season, often from early summer into fall, providing prolonged visual interest.
- Soil Erosion Control: With its dense and fibrous root system, the Japanese burnet can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or banks.
- Versatile Garden Use: It is suitable for perennial borders, meadow gardens, and naturalistic plantings, offering versatility in garden design.
- Tolerates Various Soils: The Japanese burnet can grow in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil, it can adapt to both clay and sandy soils.
- Resistant to Pests: Generally, the Japanese burnet is resistant to common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical insecticides.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Sanguisorba officinalis, commonly referred to as Great Burnet, is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Hemostatic agent: Historically, it has been applied to control bleeding, such as from cuts and wounds.
- Astringent: The root of Great Burnet is considered to have astringent qualities, useful for managing diarrhea and dysentery.
- Antioxidant: The constituents of the plant may possess antioxidant activity.
- Gastrointestinal health: It is sometimes used in herbal medicine for treating gastrointestinal issues.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The deep hues of Sanguisorba officinalis, also known as the Great Burnet's foliage and flowers, can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, giving fabrics a range of beautiful, earthy tones.
- Culinary Garnish: The delicate, ornamental blooms can serve as an edible garnish, adding a splash of color and a subtle, unique flavor to gourmet dishes.
- Floral Arrangements: The flowering stems of Great Burnet add vertical interest and texture to both fresh and dried floral arrangements, making them a favorite among florists and gardeners.
- Soil Erosion Control: The plant's dense and deep root system can help stabilize loose soil in areas prone to erosion, making it an excellent choice for ecological landscaping purposes.
- Wildlife Habitat: Great Burnet provides a habitat for beneficial insects, particularly small pollinators and predatory insects that help maintain the balance of garden ecosystems.
- Natural Insect Repellent: While not commonly known, some cultures use the plant as a natural insect repellent by placing cuttings around outdoor living spaces.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: The dried flower heads of Great Burnet can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative for celebrations, reducing the environmental impact of such events.
- Potpourri Ingredient: The aromatic leaves can be dried and included in potpourri blends to impart an earthy fragrance to indoor spaces.
- Leather Tanning: The tannins present in Great Burnet can be utilized in the tanning of leather, although this is less common in modern times.
- Artisan Crafts: The visually striking stems and flowers can be incorporated into crafts, such as wreath-making or natural jewelry, showcasing the plant's unique aesthetic.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'Pieters' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'Pieters' is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'Pieters', commonly known as the Korean burnet, is often associated with healing due to its medicinal properties used in traditional remedies.
- Protection: The Korean burnet's robust nature and its use in traditional medicine can symbolize protection against both physical and spiritual ailments.
- Harmony: With its delicate, airy flowers, the Korean burnet is also seen as a symbol of harmony and balance, reflecting its effortless integration into natural landscapes.
WaterThe Narrowleaf Burnet should be watered regularly, maintaining a consistently moist soil environment but without waterlogging. It's best to provide deep watering once or twice a week, allowing water to penetrate the soil deeply. Depending on weather conditions and soil drainage, this could be roughly equivalent to 1-2 gallons per week during active growth in the spring and summer. In the dormant season, reduce watering as the plant requires less moisture.
LightNarrowleaf Burnet thrives best in full sun to partial shade settings. The plant should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimum growth, especially in cooler regions. However, in hotter climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.
TemperatureNarrowleaf Burnet can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best when temperatures remain between 50°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20°F, which allows it to withstand cold winters, and it can also tolerate summer highs up to around 90°F.
PruningPruning the Narrowleaf Burnet is helpful to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Pruning should be done in early spring before new growth begins. Cutting back the plant by about a third of its size can also promote more vigorous growth. Deadheading spent flowers will also encourage additional blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for the Korean Burnet (Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'Pieters') is well-draining soil with a high organic matter content. The pH level should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Incorporating peat moss, leaf mold, and loamy garden soil can create an optimal growing medium for this plant.
RepottingKorean Burnet should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. It is important to use a slightly larger pot each time to allow for proper root growth.
Humidity & MistingKorean Burnet thrives in environments with moderate humidity levels, generally between 40% and 60%. Avoid extremely dry or overly humid conditions as it may stress the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, avoid overwatering, and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, regular watering, protect in harsh winters.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA.
Life cycleThe life cycle of Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'Pieters', commonly known as the Narrowleaf Burnet, begins with seed germination, usually in early spring, when the soil is moist and temperatures are moderate. Upon germination, the seedlings establish a rosette of leaves at ground level as they develop a root system. As the plant matures, it sends up tall, slender stems bearing pinnate leaves and, eventually, distinctive red to purple bottlebrush-like flowers during the summer months. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into small, dry fruits (achenes), which disperse to propagate the next generation. The plant often dies back to the crown during the fall and enters a period of dormancy during the winter. With the return of spring, the Narrowleaf Burnet re-emerges, following the same cycle year after year in its perennial life span.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'Pieters', also known as the Korean Burnet, is typically propagated through division. Division is the most popular method for this perennial and should be carried out in the early spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the parent plant and use a sharp spade or knife to divide the root ball into several smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system and several shoots or buds. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing at previously, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (45-60 cm) apart to allow for ample growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them.
