Sanguisorba officinalis - 2026

Sanguisorba officinalis is a clump-forming perennial with finely divided green foliage and upright spikes of deep red flowers. Blooming from midsummer into early autumn, it provides bold colour and vertical interest in borders, cottage gardens, and wildlife-friendly plantings. Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, enhancing ecological value. The upright, arching habit makes it ideal for mixed borders, low-maintenance schemes, or naturalistic and meadow-style plantings.

It thrives in full sun to partial shade in well-drained, moderately fertile soil and is low-maintenance, benefiting from occasional deadheading to prolong flowering and maintain a tidy appearance. Non-native to the UK, it is valued for its striking flower colour, long bloom period, and suitability for perennial borders or pollinator-friendly gardens.