Sanguisorba hakusanensis ‘White Brushes’

Description

Sanguisorba hakusanensis ‘White Brushes’ is a stunning perennial that boasts long, pendulant white flowers above beautifully divided grey-green foliage. With its upright growth habit and graceful blooms, it is perfect for creating a striking garden display. Here’s a comprehensive planting and aftercare guide to ensure your Sanguisorba hakusanensis ‘White Brushes’ thrives in your garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: Plant Sanguisorba hakusanensis ‘White Brushes’ in spring once the soil has warmed up. This allows the roots to establish well before the growing season begins, promoting a strong and healthy plant.
• Autumn: Alternatively, early autumn is also a good time for planting. It allows the plant to establish itself before the dormant winter period, leading to more vigorous growth the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Sanguisorba hakusanensis ‘White Brushes’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. This ensures optimal growth and flowering.
• Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal for Sanguisorba. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to promote healthy root development. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is about twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of Sanguisorba hakusanensis ‘White Brushes’. This will give the roots ample space to grow and spread.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix in organic matter such as compost into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. This encourages the roots to spread more easily and the plant to thrive.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the prepared hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface. Gently backfill the hole and firm the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Sanguisorba prefers moist but well-drained soil, so make sure not to overwater, which could lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Sanguisorba is relatively drought-tolerant once established. However, water the plant during dry spells to keep the soil slightly moist. Avoid waterlogging, as it may cause root issues.
• Dormant Season: In the dormant period, reduce watering. Only water if the soil becomes dry, as Sanguisorba needs very little moisture during this time.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring to provide Sanguisorba hakusanensis ‘White Brushes’ with essential nutrients as it begins to grow.
• Mid-Summer: During the growing season, a light feeding of organic fertiliser or compost will support continued flowering and healthy growth, encouraging the plant to reach its full potential.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead the spent flowers of Sanguisorba hakusanensis ‘White Brushes’. This will help to prolong the blooming period, tidy the plant, and encourage more blooms throughout the growing season.
• Autumn Pruning: After flowering has finished and the plant enters dormancy, prune back the stems to ground level. This helps prepare the plant for the winter months and encourages strong new growth in the spring.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Sanguisorba in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Winter: In colder climates, adding mulch around the plant in winter can help protect the roots from frost and prevent the soil from freezing, ensuring the plant survives until spring.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Sanguisorba  typically has a sturdy upright growth habit, but in particularly windy areas or if the plant grows tall, it may benefit from light staking. Use a plant support or stake to prevent any damage.

Final Tips

Sanguisorba hakusanensis ‘White Brushes’ is a low-maintenance perennial that adds elegance to any garden. By planting it in full sun or partial shade, ensuring good drainage, and following the care guidelines provided, you’ll enjoy its striking white flower spikes from June to September. With minimal attention, your Sanguisorba will thrive, making it an excellent addition to garden borders, cottage gardens, or even mixed beds.