Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. parviflora

Slender-leaved Burnet Rosaceae

A particularly elegant and early-flowering form of slender-leaved burnet, producing a handsome clump of finely divided, narrow, dark green foliage. From early summer, remarkably slender, almost leafless stems rise to around 1.6m, carrying branching sprays of delicate white, bottlebrush flowerheads. It is notably earlier than other forms of Sanguisorba tenuifolia, making it especially useful for extending the season of burnets. The earliest of the S. tenuifolia species to flower with us.

Native across eastern Russia, Siberia, Mongolia, Korea and Japan, this taxon is now generally treated by Kew as a synonym of Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. tenuifolia, although var. parviflora remains a well-established horticultural name. The white flowers and early flowering distinguish it particularly well in cultivation.

Grow in full sun or partial shade in a fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Despite its considerable height, the narrow, wiry stems give it a light and airy appearance and it generally requires little or no support. An excellent plant for naturalistic planting, meadow-style borders and amongst grasses.

Flowering: May–July
Hardiness: H7, below –20°C
Height: 1.5–1.6m
Spread: 45–60cm