Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'White Tanna'
slender-leaved burnet
Bringing movement and lightness to the late-season border, this elegant perennial sends up slender stems topped with delicate, pendulous white...
9cm pot
£12.99
available to order from spring 2027
3 × 9cm pots
£36.00
£12.00 each
available to order from spring 2027
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Plant description
Bringing movement and lightness to the late-season border, this elegant perennial sends up slender stems topped with delicate, pendulous white flower spikes that sway gently above the surrounding planting. The blooms hover like tassels from late summer into autumn, creating a soft, airy effect that never feels overpowering, even in densely planted borders.
Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'White Tanna' combines beautifully with ornamental grasses, asters, veronicastrums and other naturalistic perennials, where its see-through habit allows neighbouring plants to shine through. Tough, long-lived and easy to grow, it performs well in most moisture-retentive soils in sun or light shade, requiring little attention once established.
As the flowering season draws to a close, the foliage of this RHS award-winning perennial takes on attractive autumn tones, extending its contribution well beyond the summer months.
Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'White Tanna' combines beautifully with ornamental grasses, asters, veronicastrums and other naturalistic perennials, where its see-through habit allows neighbouring plants to shine through. Tough, long-lived and easy to grow, it performs well in most moisture-retentive soils in sun or light shade, requiring little attention once established.
As the flowering season draws to a close, the foliage of this RHS award-winning perennial takes on attractive autumn tones, extending its contribution well beyond the summer months.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Sanguisorba tenuifolia White Tanna:
Plant 30-45cm (12-18in) apart in moderately fertile, moist, but well-drained soil, incorporating compost to improve drainage and fertility. Water regularly during the first season to establish deep roots, then reduce watering as it becomes drought-tolerant.
Apply an organic mulch of well-rotted compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds. In late winter or early spring, cut back the previous year's growth to 5-7cm (2-3in) above ground, dividing clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigour. While rarely needed because of its compact stature, staking may be beneficial in very exposed sites.
Apply an organic mulch of well-rotted compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds. In late winter or early spring, cut back the previous year's growth to 5-7cm (2-3in) above ground, dividing clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigour. While rarely needed because of its compact stature, staking may be beneficial in very exposed sites.
Please note:
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
