Rosaceae
Great burnet: Edible Plant
Sanguisorba officinalis
Great burnet requires a sunny to partially shaded exposure and cool, rich, well-drained soil to thrive fully. Once established, it becomes quite drought-tolerant but yields better results with regular watering in summer. An application of compost in spring is sufficient to ensure generous flowering throughout the season.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
-25° - 30°C
% - %
Categories
What is Great burnet?
Great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) is a easy-care plant from the Rosaceae family. Great burnet is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Rosaceae family, native to damp grasslands and temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It forms a clump of compound, pinnate, bluish-green leaves, topped by long flower stems bearing small ovoid flower spikes ranging from purplish-red to burgundy....
Great burnet grows up to 1.0m, spread of 45cm, watering every 7 days, -25°C – 30°C. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Great burnet tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Great burnet is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Great burnet?
TLDR: Great burnet needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between -25-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Great burnet?
Water about once a week in summer to keep the soil cool without ever waterlogging it, and more frequently during the first year after planting. Mulching at the base of the plant significantly reduces water needs.
How Much Light Does Great burnet Need?
Plant burnet in full sun or partial shade; in hot regions, light afternoon shade prevents the foliage from drying out.
What Is the Best Soil for Great burnet?
Prefer loose soil, rich in organic matter and well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral. Amend poor or clay soils with compost at the time of planting.
What Pot Should You Use for Great burnet?
When growing in pots, choose a wide and deep container made of terracotta or porous material with excellent drainage, as the plant develops a fairly deep taproot.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 365 days
Repot
Every 1095 days
What Is Great burnet and Where Does It Come From?
Great burnet is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Rosaceae family, native to damp grasslands and temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It forms a clump of compound, pinnate, bluish-green leaves, topped by long flower stems bearing small ovoid flower spikes ranging from purplish-red to burgundy. It blooms from June to September and attracts many pollinators, including the Scarce Large Blue butterfly which depends on it for reproduction. Used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Chinese medicine under the name Di Yu, it is valued for its hemostatic and healing properties. It is a hardy and easy-to-grow plant, perfect for naturalist gardens, wildflower meadows, and cool-soil borders.
How to Propagate Great burnet?
Clump division
Dividing every 3 to 4 years restores vigor to older clumps and allows for easy multiplication of the plant.
- 1 Dig up the clump in spring or late summer before or after flowering
- 2 Gently separate the rhizomes by hand or with a clean knife, keeping 1 to 3 buds per section with roots
- 3 Replant the sections immediately 15-24 inches apart in soil enriched with compost
- 4 Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil cool for the first few weeks
Materials needed:
Sowing
Emergence can be irregular; cold stratification improves the germination rate.
- 1 Sow fresh seeds in autumn or spring in a cold frame
- 2 Maintain a moist and bright substrate, as germination is favored by light
- 3 Prick out young seedlings into pots once they have several true leaves
- 4 Plant in their permanent location the following year 15-24 inches apart
Materials needed:
How Big Does Great burnet Grow?
TLDR: Great burnet can reach up to 1.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.0m
Spread
45cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal Uses
- Hemostatic properties traditionally used against minor bleeding and hemorrhages
- Used as a decoction to soothe inflammation and diarrhea
- Topical application of the root to promote the healing of minor wounds and burns
Culinary Uses
- Young leaves eaten raw in salads for their slight cucumber flavor
- Leaves used to flavor vinegars and cool drinks
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Great burnet?
TLDR: Great burnet is susceptible to 2 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are mollusks that feed on plant tissue, causing irregular holes in leaves and damage to young seedlings. They are most active at night and in moist conditions, leaving characteristic silvery slime trails. These pests can quickly devastate gardens, especially during wet seasons.
Meaning & Symbolism
Burnet is traditionally associated with cheerfulness and rediscovered joy, and was once included in bouquets meant to bring luck and good humor.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
