Pimpinella major ‘Rosea’

Pink Greater Burnet-Saxifrage Apiaceae

A lovely pink-flowered form of Greater Burnet Saxifrage, producing airy umbels of soft rose-pink flowers above finely divided, fresh-green foliage. More substantial than many of its umbelliferous cousins, it makes an excellent naturalistic plant for a meadow, herbaceous border or the lighter edge of woodland, where its frothy flowerheads attract hoverflies and other small pollinators. A European native with a distinctly old-fashioned charm, ‘Rosea’ is happiest in fertile, moisture-retentive soil, although it will tolerate drier conditions once established. It was used to particularly good effect on our 2012 RHS Chelsea Flower Show exhibit, where its airy structure and soft colouring made an excellent foil for stronger architectural planting. Allow it to mingle naturally rather than treating it too formally—the umbellifer family rarely does formality.

Height: 90–120cm
Spread: 45–60cm
Flowering: June–August
Position: Sun or partial shade
Soil: Fertile, moist but well drained
Hardiness: H7 (−20°C to −15°C)