Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) - Graceful Wildflower for Damp Soils - Super Plugs

A plant of quiet drama and deep roots in Britain’s natural heritage, Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) carries tall, slender stems topped with dark crimson pompom blooms that sway gently above grasses and meadow flowers. It’s one of those species that brings a sense of wild elegance - subtle from a distance, striking up close - and once seen, never forgotten.

Thriving in damp meadows, stream margins, and moisture-retentive soil, this perennial is both beautiful and ecologically invaluable. Its nectar-rich flowers are adored by long-tongued bees and butterflies, including skippers and meadow browns. In restoration projects, it’s often used to bring life back to wetland edges and floodplain meadows - exactly the sort of habitat Joel’s projects celebrate and recreate.

Where it thrives
Light: Full sun or light shade
Soil: Moist, fertile; prefers clay or loam but adapts well once established
Setting: Pond margins, wet meadows, bog gardens, wildlife borders
Height: 60-100 cm

Planting & care

• Plant in moist but not waterlogged soil;

• Cut back spent stems in late autumn or leave for structure and seedheads.

• Perfect for pollinator corridors, meadow schemes, or naturalised pond surrounds.

Wildlife value
Its deep red flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, supporting bees, butterflies, and hoverflies throughout summer. Insects visit for the clustered blooms, while the airy stems provide perches for dragonflies and other meadow life.

Joel says…
“I’ve always had a soft spot for Great Burnet - it’s a quiet star. You’ll spot it nodding in a meadow, dark red against the greens and golds, and you just know the soil beneath is alive. It’s the kind of plant that tells you you’ve got the balance right.”