Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Red Thunder’

Greater Burnet Rosaceae

A superb selection of Great Burnet, forming a strong clump of finely divided, fresh green foliage above which slender, branching stems carry numerous deep maroon-red, bottlebrush flowerheads. The airy stems move beautifully in the slightest breeze, creating the characteristic ‘see-through’ effect that makes Sanguisorba so valuable in naturalistic planting. Flowering over a long period from July into autumn, the fading flowerheads remain attractive well into the season.

Introduction: ‘Red Thunder’ was selected by Dutch plantsman Piet Oudolf from seed collected in Korea, selecting the form for its particularly deep ruby-red flowerheads and stronger, stiffer stems. It has subsequently become one of the most widely grown selections of Sanguisorba officinalis. 

Grow in full sun or partial shade in a fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil that does not dry out excessively. It is particularly effective in prairie and naturalistic planting, where the tall stems combine beautifully with grasses and other late-season perennials. The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects. 

Flowering: July–October
Hardiness: H7, below –20°C
Height: 1.2m
Spread: 60cm