Sanguisorba officinalis Arnhem
Growing Sanguisorba officinalis Arnhem in the UK
Its tall and airy and it is the first time we have grown it
.
performance in our garden
I take great pleasure in growing plants which we have never before had a go at. The Sanguisorba officinalis Arnhem is one of those.
In April of this year we planted two of these in the main border of the back garden. I didn’t really expect much of them this year as they were small plants, in one ltr pots.
However by mid June, they had clearly taken a good hold and the ferny green foliage was over four feet tall.
First of the red flowers opened in early July and were still looking good in mid August.
We positioned the Sanguisorba officinalis Arnhem in a central position of the border, where leaves of perennials, not quite as tall would prevent this giant which had grown to over six feet from looking out of place.
I did have to stake the plants. A single cane carefully placed to be discreet gave all the support necessary.
There is no doubt, the plants look good in spite of this large border dominating the back garden to an extent that some changes will have to be made.
Will I be making the changes, well, developments in six months time will prevent this from happening.
plant description
Sanguisorba officinalis Arnhem (great burnet) is a tall lanky plant reaching seven feet. Many gardeners favour this form over some of the others due to the flower colour which is described as being raspberry red.
Planted in the centre of a deep border the open structure of the tall flower stems enable you to view plants at the very back of the border which may not be quite as tall.
Very easy to establish and the growth from a plant in a one ltr pot is remarkable in the first season.
The blooms of Arnhem do not continue into late Autumn as do some of the other forms.
Although this plant thrives in our Cheshire garden I am not so sure how it would have done back home in Aberdeen. Mind you a very sheltered spot can throw up many surprises.
If you have taken a liking to Sanguisorba then there are about 30 species to choose from. Some short at about 30cm/12in tall and others like Arnhem reaching over 170cm/7ft
position *** full sun/partial shade
soil *** any good quality garden soil enriched with compost
hardiness *** generally reported as being fully hardy
flowers *** raspberry red blooms July/early September
height *** 120cm/6/7ft
Mail order
_____________
Having lived in Aberdeen Scotland for sixty eight years, two years nine months ago we moved to Cheshire in the north west of England.
Well, its not over yet. From out of the blue an opportunity arose whereby we could move back to Scotland to a coastal area not very far from Edinburgh.
This time its a spacious detached bungalow with a not so very spacious garden. However as you can see, we are getting on and will take great pleasure in making the most of the small garden space. Moving Jan/Feb
Our House
Well Sunil, I guess at this stage of our lives its all about the house, a nice big bungalow with a fantastic sun room. The garden, its small but will make the best of it probably in a more formal way.
Wow Alistair, so you’ll be moving back to Scotland and it will be “Almost” Aberdeen Gardening again! I hope the house build goes to plan and the developers fill your new garden with a good depth of soil. Do you know how large your new plot will be? When your Cheshire house is put on the market, it will be fascinating to see viewers’ thoughts on the garden.
Thanks Helene, looks like we will be in for mid January. The size of the garden at this stage in our lives doesn’t seem to be quite so important now. Bungalow is fabulous though, we will of course make the most of the garden, a bit more formality this time.
Alistair, I am so happy for you and Myra finding this new place, I hope the build goes well and that everything will be finished on schedule. Now that you have downsized your garden once, you will possibly have to scale down a bit more for this new one? It doesn’t mean you need to have less plants though, as I think I probably showed in my previous garden – you just have less lawn, gravel, paving and open spaces 🙂 Good luck with everything!
Hi Deb, we will be glad to get the moving part over with.
Wow! You are moving again! Changes keep you young, however, so best wishes! Sometimes I dream of small space gardening. I am looking forward to reading all about it!
Nadezda, I did pick up a bit on the medicinal value of Sanguisorba
Remember and stake those Sanguisorba.
Thank you Diana, another bonus we haven’t mentioned is, our youngest daughter lives nearby to our new place. Will definitively miss our family here in Cheshire, fortunately, they are all itching to get back to London, and no longer have the guilt of doing so.
Delighted for Myra, and you, that a happier opportunity has opened up.
You will miss your grandchildren?
I much look forward to following every detail as you plan and plant the next garden!!
Coast and Edinburgh, one of my favourite cities. What could be better?
I love that Sanguisorba too, I’ve planted three and hoping for great things next year.
Alistair, I’m sure your new home and garden will be nice. I’ve been to Scotland, near Loh Lomond and I liked this place. About Sanguisorba officinalis – it’s a very often plant here and is used as treatment. Lovely photos!
Glenis, Myra’s heart was still in Scotland, I am so relieved this opportunity arose.
Debra, thought exciting events were behind me, but this is pretty much up there.
Thanks for dropping by Annette. I must say, not in a million years did I see this happening. All systems go here, although we dont move until January, in fact it may well turn out to be February. I will keep blogging, simply because I enjoy it and I have a back log of plants which I have grown in this garden and Aberdeen which I have not included in my A to Z of plants as yet.
Oh Alistair – so pleased to hear you are moving back to Scotland. Edinburgh is a wonderful city and there are some beautiful coastal places close by. I wonder where you will be? So you will be starting again from scratch with your garden. Edinburgh seems to be slightly ahead of Aberdeen as regards seasons and you will have at least two lovely bloggers for company, Angie of Angie’s garden Diaries and Joanna of Edinburgh Garden Diary. I hope you will continue blogging as it will be lovely to see yet another of your gardens take shape.
How exciting for you – a brand new space to make your own. I am looking forward to seeing your new home and garden.
Denra
Good for you .
My grandparents born and bred in Aberdeen moved to Lancashire in the 60’s they also moved back after 2 years. I hope you will be very happy in your new abode although I I thoroughly enjoyed the transformation of the garden is Cheshire I shall look forward to the progress of the new property and garden. Good luck to you both