Sanguisorba officinalis 'Martin's Mulberry' - 2026

Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Martin’s Mulberry’ is a striking, tall, clump-forming perennial distinguished by its dense spikes of wine-red to deep purple flower heads that rise above pinnate, fresh green foliage from mid-summer into autumn. The effect is both dramatic and airy: the fine foliage lets light filter through, while the rich flower colours draw the eye, making this cultivar a bold feature in back of borders, prairie plantings, or in naturalistic garden schemes. Its late-season flowering provides valuable colour when many other plants have finished, and its strong stems holding colour add visual interest well into the cooler months.

This cultivar thrives in full sun to partial shade in moist, fertile but well-drained soil. It prefers soil that doesn’t dry out completely and benefits from good light. Once established it is relatively low-maintenance: the rhizomes may spread so give it space, and cutting back or removing spent flower spikes can neaten the plant and encourage sturdier growth. Non-native to the UK, but awarded for its garden performance by RHS.