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What is Great Burnet?

The Great Burnet, botanically known as Sanguisorba officinalis 'Tanna', is a unique and extremely charming perennial known for its compact growth and unique inflorescence. Unlike the larger wild varieties, the 'Tanna' remains modest in size, making it a perfect fit for a modern border or even a decorative pot on the terrace. The plant forms a neat clump of finely incised, grey-green leaves with a characteristic serrated edge that offers plenty of ornamental value even before flowering. From June onwards, numerous thin, branched stems appear with striking, dark red to burgundy 'orbs' at the ends that float above the foliage like tiny drumsticks. At Planten247, we consider the Great Burnet an ideal plant for those looking for transparency and a natural, playful appearance that brings movement to the garden.

The benefits of Great Burnet?

Planting the Sanguisorba officinalis 'Tanna' offers several advantages for your garden design and the local ecosystem:

• Unique inflorescence: The small, egg-shaped flower heads are a striking appearance that provide an interesting contrast to traditional flower shapes.
• Transparent growth: Because of the fine, slender stems, you can see through the plant, which adds a sense of depth and airiness to your border design.
• Long flowering time: You can enjoy the decorative flower orbs from early summer until deep into the autumn, as they retain their shape well even after flowering.
• Insect-friendly: The flowers are rich in nectar and form an important food source for bees, bumblebees, and various species of butterflies.
• Strong and healthy: The plant is very robust and suffers virtually no issues with diseases, pests, or the dreaded powdery mildew.

What to look for when buying Great Burnet?

When buying Great Burnet, it is important to pay close attention to the compactness of the clump and the health of the foliage. A healthy Sanguisorba officinalis 'Tanna' should have a dense clump of fresh green or grey-green leaves at the base, without signs of wilting or brown edges. At Planten247, we select our plants based on a vigorous and well-developed root system, which is crucial because the plant grows via rhizomes; the stronger the base, the richer the bloom. When purchasing, also ensure you specifically choose the 'Tanna' cultivar if you are looking for a compact variety. Other species of Great Burnet can easily reach a meter in height and produce a very different effect in your border.

Is Great Burnet Hardy?

The Great Burnet is very hardy and can withstand the cold winters in our region effortlessly. Temperatures well below freezing, down to -25 degrees Celsius, pose no problem for this strong perennial. Although the plant dies back completely above ground and enters winter dormancy, the rhizome remains perfectly healthy underground and protected from frost. As soon as the soil warms up in the spring and the first rays of sun reach the ground, the Great Burnet sprouts quickly and vigorously with fresh, serrated new leaves.

Planting Great Burnet

It is best to plant Great Burnet in a sunny to lightly shaded spot where the plant has the space to show off its transparent character. The plant loves soil that retains moisture well but can also drain excess water; it does not like 'wet feet' in winter. A normal to humus-rich garden soil that does not dry out too quickly is ideal. When planting, dig a large hole, mix the excavated soil with some quality planting soil, and place the root ball at exactly the same depth as it was in the pot. For a beautiful full effect, we recommend a planting distance of approximately 30 centimeters, which amounts to 7 to 9 plants per square meter.

How do I maintain Great Burnet?

The maintenance of the Great Burnet is straightforward and simple, making it an ideal plant for the busy gardener. In the summer, it is essential that the plant does not dry out completely, as the leaves can start to droop; therefore, provide extra water during prolonged heatwaves or dry periods. Although you can cut off the spent flower stems to maintain a tidy appearance, many gardeners leave them standing because of their beautiful winter silhouette. The dried orbs catch frost and snow in a wonderful way. In early spring, around March, cut the old remnants of the plant back completely to just above the ground to make room for the fresh new growth.

Combining Great Burnet

Thanks to its transparent and fine-textured growth, the Great Burnet 'Tanna' is a true 'weaver' that can be excellently combined with various neighbors. It is a wonderful partner for ornamental grasses such as Feather Grass (Stipa) or the glistening Diamond Grass, where the dark orbs stand out beautifully against the fine blades. The fine structure of the Great Burnet also comes into its own next to plants with coarser or flatter inflorescences, such as Coneflower (Echinacea), Yarrow (Achillea), or Stonecrop (Sedum). Due to the deep burgundy color of the flowers, the plant also provides an exciting contrast to lighter-colored bloomers or grey-leaved plants such as Calamintha.

Buying Great Burnet at Planten247

Do you want to create a natural, playful, and modern atmosphere in your garden that continues to surprise for months? Buying Great Burnet at Planten247 means choosing guaranteed quality and a healthy, vital foundation for your outdoor space. We understand that the Sanguisorba officinalis 'Tanna' is an absolute favorite for the contemporary prairie garden or a natural border. That is why we work exclusively with specialized growers who have a passion for the craft and uphold the highest standards in cultivating perennials.

Our Great Burnets are selected with the greatest possible care and packed in specially developed shipping boxes. This packaging ensures that the fragile stems, healthy foliage, and moist root ball arrive in optimal condition, ready to be planted immediately. At Planten247, expertise and service are central; whether you need advice on the best location or are looking for a larger quantity for a complete garden renovation, we are here for you. The Great Burnet 'Tanna' is a plant that returns faithfully every year and only becomes more beautiful and fuller, making it a sustainable and rewarding investment in your garden enjoyment. Order today and discover for yourself why this characterful plant should not be missing from your garden collection.

Frequently Asked Questions about Great Burnet

Is Great Burnet poisonous?

No, the Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) is known as a completely safe and non-toxic plant. This is a reassuring thought for families with young children and owners of curious pets. For humans, the plant is actually very useful; the leaves have been used for centuries in folk medicine and the kitchen. The Great Burnet poses no danger to dogs and cats either. Should your four-legged friend accidentally take a bite of the leaves or flower orbs, it will not lead to poisoning symptoms or irritations. The plant does not contain harmful saponins or alkaloids, making it one of the safest choices for a pet-friendly garden where children can play and pets can sniff around without worry.

Is Great Burnet a perennial?

Yes, the Great Burnet is a perennial plant with a very strong character. In the autumn, the plant retreats underground, storing its energy in the sturdy rhizomes. In the spring, the plant sprouts again each year, becoming slightly wider and fuller every time. Because the Great Burnet can remain in the same spot for years without losing its flowering power, it is an extremely reliable inhabitant of the perennial border.

Is Great Burnet evergreen?

No, Great Burnet is not evergreen. In late autumn, the foliage turns shades of brown and the plant dies back completely above ground. Although no green is visible during the winter months, this is an essential part of the plant's natural cycle. In winter, the plant is in deep dormancy, which gives it the strength to emerge again in the spring with fresh, healthy, green foliage. If you also want greenery in that spot during the winter, you can combine Great Burnet well with evergreen ground covers or ornamental grasses.

How tall does Great Burnet grow?

The specific variety 'Tanna' is a dwarf form that remains very compact compared to its wild relatives. Including the flower stems, the plant usually reaches a height of about 40 to 50 centimeters. The foliage itself forms a dense, low clump of about 20 to 30 centimeters high. This modest height makes the 'Tanna' extremely suitable for the front edge of a border or for use in planters where a larger species would become too dominant.

Can Great Burnet grow in the shade?

Great Burnet can tolerate a spot in partial shade, but for the best results, you should plant it in full sun. The plant needs direct sunlight to keep the stems sturdy; in too much shade, the flower stems can become too long and limp, causing them to fall over more easily. Also, the flowering will be significantly richer and the color of the flower heads deeper red in full sun. Do you have a spot with only a few hours of sun per day? The Great Burnet 'Tanna' will still grow there, but expect a slightly looser growth habit.

Is Great Burnet edible?

Certainly, Great Burnet is a well-known herb from the 'forgotten' kitchen. The young, tender leaves that appear in spring have a surprisingly fresh taste reminiscent of cucumber with a nutty undertone. You can use these leaves raw in salads, finely chop them for herb butter, or add them to cold sauces and soups. Just note that you should harvest mainly the young leaves; as the season progresses and the plant begins to flower, the leaves become tougher and the aroma loses its subtle freshness.

How fast does a Great Burnet grow?

The Great Burnet has an average growth rate. In the first year after planting, the plant will primarily focus on establishing its root system in the new soil, so the above-ground growth may seem modest. From the second year onwards, however, it grows quickly and forms a full, mature clump within one growing season that blooms richly with numerous stems. It is not a plant that takes over the garden; it stays neatly in its place and only expands slowly in width.

Is the Great Burnet an annual plant?

No, the Great Burnet is definitely not an annual plant. It is a long-lived perennial that, if planted in the right place, can remain in the same spot for ten years or more. Unlike annual plants, you do not need to sow or buy this plant again every year. It returns from the ground larger and stronger every spring, making it a very sustainable choice for your garden.

When is the best time to prune Great Burnet?

The best time for the major prune is early spring, just before the new shoots emerge from the ground (usually late February or March). Cut back all old, dead stems and leaves from the previous season to about 5 centimeters above the ground. During the flowering season, you can cut off spent stems deep at the base ('deadheading') to give the plant a neater appearance, although this is not necessary for the plant's health.

Does the Great Burnet 'Tanna' suffer from diseases?

The Great Burnet 'Tanna' is an exceptionally healthy plant that rarely, if ever, suffers from common garden diseases such as powdery mildew or rust. Pests also seem to have little interest in the plant; even slugs, which devour many other perennials, usually leave the serrated leaves of the Sanguisorba alone. This makes it an ideal plant for a low-maintenance and organic garden where you prefer not to use pesticides.

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