An upright, clump-forming perennial, smothered in long, slim, pendulant white flowers which hover above beautiful slim, fern-like leaves from June to September. Height 80cm. Spread 40cm. Full sun/partial shade. Hardy.
Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba is a graceful and elegant perennial known for its tall, slender stems topped with delicate white, bottlebrush-like flowers. Flowering from mid to late summer, this hardy perennial adds height, texture, and movement to garden borders, prairie-style plantings, and wildlife gardens. Follow this comprehensive planting and aftercare guide to ensure your Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba thrives and returns year after year.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The best time to plant Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows the plant to establish a strong root system before the growing season begins.
Autumn: You can also plant Sanguisorba in early autumn, giving it time to settle in before dormancy. This encourages robust growth the following spring.
Site Selection
Light: Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a bright spot where it can enjoy several hours of direct sunlight each day, as this will promote taller growth and abundant flowering.
Soil: This perennial prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil. While Sanguisorba tolerates a range of soil types, it performs best in humus-rich soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Add organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, before planting to improve soil structure and drainage.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the plant’s root ball to allow plenty of room for root growth.
Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to enhance nutrient content and moisture retention.
Planting: Position your Sanguisorba in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently, firming the soil around the roots to remove air pockets.
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to help the plant settle in and to establish good root-to-soil contact.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season. Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering as standing water can lead to root rot.
Dormant Season: Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant. Water only if the soil becomes excessively dry.
Feeding
Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser or a layer of well-rotted compost around the base of your Sanguisorba in spring to encourage vigorous growth and strong flower production.
Mid-Summer: A light liquid feed during flowering can help sustain blooms and promote a longer flowering period.
Pruning and Maintenance
Deadheading: Remove spent flower spikes from Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba to prolong the blooming period and keep the plant tidy.
Autumn Pruning: Once flowering is complete, cut back the stems to ground level. This allows the plant to conserve energy and prepares it for dormancy.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a 5cm layer of organic mulch around Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba in spring to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth.
Winter: A light mulch in winter helps protect the roots from temperature fluctuations and ensures the plant remains healthy through the colder months.
Supporting the Plant
Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba produces tall, slender stems that may benefit from light support in exposed or windy areas. Use discreet stakes or natural supports to help keep the flower spikes upright without detracting from their natural grace.
Final Tips
Sanguisorba tenuifolia var. alba is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that adds elegance and charm to mixed borders, naturalistic plantings, and pondside areas. It pairs beautifully with grasses and other late-summer perennials. For best results, grow Sanguisorba in full sun or partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Regular deadheading and seasonal pruning will ensure your Sanguisorba remains healthy, vibrant, and full of delicate white blooms that enhance your garden year after year.
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