Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Tanna’

Greater Burnet Rosaceae

A superb compact burnet, forming low mounds of blue-green, finely divided foliage and producing masses of small, deep wine-red, cylindrical flowerheads on slender, branching stems. Flowering from June into September, it is remarkably long-flowering for such a compact plant and particularly useful towards the front of the border, in prairie planting or among low grasses. The RHS describes it as forming a clump to around 50cm, with deep red flowerheads held above the foliage. 

Introduction: ‘Tanna’ is an established Japanese-derived selection, although its original raiser and introduction history are not well documented. It has long been cultivated as a compact form of Sanguisorba officinalis and is now generally listed by the RHS simply as Sanguisorba ‘Tanna’, with S. officinalis ‘Tanna’ treated as a synonym. 

Grow in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil. Avoid allowing it to dry out severely during summer. Its modest stature, strong flowering performance and attractive foliage make it particularly useful where taller Sanguisorbas would be excessive. The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects.

Flowering: June–September
Hardiness: H7, below –20°C
Height: 40–50cm
Spread: 30–50cm