Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Little Red Tanna’

Description

Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Little Red Tanna’ is a compact, hardy perennial that brings vibrant colour and texture to borders, rock gardens, and cottage-style plantings. Its brilliant red, oval flower heads rise elegantly above deeply divided green foliage, creating a striking display from early summer to late summer. Follow this detailed planting and care guide to help your Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Little Red Tanna’ flourish beautifully year after year.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: Plant Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Little Red Tanna’ in spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows the roots to establish before the growing season, resulting in healthy foliage and abundant blooms.
• Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Little Red Tanna’ in early autumn. The plant will settle in before dormancy and be ready to grow strongly the following spring.

Site Selection

• Light: Sanguisorba thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot that receives several hours of direct sunlight each day for best flowering performance.
• Soil: This plant prefers moist but well-drained soil. It performs well in fertile loam and can tolerate light clay if drainage is improved. Incorporate organic compost or well-rotted manure before planting to enrich the soil.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball of your Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Little Red Tanna’.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to enhance moisture retention and drainage.
3. Planting: Place your Sanguisorba in the hole so that the crown sits level with the soil surface. Backfill gently and firm the soil around the plant to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots settle and establish well.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season. Sanguisorba appreciates regular watering during dry spells but does not tolerate waterlogging.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering once the plant becomes dormant in autumn. Only water occasionally to prevent the soil from drying out completely.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser or a layer of compost in early spring to encourage healthy new growth and strong flower stems.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding after the first flowering flush can encourage prolonged blooming and help maintain the plant’s vigour.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Little Red Tanna’ to extend the flowering period and keep the plant neat. Remove spent flower heads as they fade.
• Autumn Pruning: Once flowering is complete, cut the stems back to ground level. This tidies the plant and prepares it for winter dormancy.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Little Red Tanna’ to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
• Winter: In colder months, a light mulch helps protect the crown and roots, ensuring the plant remains strong and healthy for the next growing season.

Supporting the Plant

Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Little Red Tanna’ has wiry but slender stems that usually remain upright. In more exposed spots, light staking may be used to support the flower stems and prevent them from bending.

Final Tips

Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Little Red Tanna’ is a low-maintenance perennial that adds structure, colour, and movement to mixed borders and wildlife gardens. Its deep red blooms attract pollinators and pair beautifully with ornamental grasses and other late-summer perennials. For best results, grow Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Little Red Tanna’ in moist, well-drained soil and full sun, and deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. With proper care, this Sanguisorba will reward you with long-lasting beauty and vibrant garden interest year after year.