Sanguisorba 'Little Angel'

Sanguisorba 'Little Angel': Tiny Burgundy Buttons Over Cream-Edged Leaves

'Little Angel' has cream-edged leaves, a halo of innocence and tiny burgundy thimbles waving on wiry stems. Do not let the name fool you. THIS ONE WAS DEFINITELY BEHIND THE WHOOPEE CUSHION.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Sanguisorba officinalis var. microcephala 'Little Angel'
• Common Name: Dwarf Burnet
• Height: 20–30 cm (8–12 in) in flower; foliage about 18 cm (7 in)
• Spread: 25–38 cm (10–15 in)
• Flowers: Small, thimble-shaped burgundy heads on thin, upright stems
• Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June to September)
• Foliage: Small, pinnate green leaves with creamy white edges, held low to the ground
• Features: Compact, variegated foliage, long season of interest, mostly free of pests and diseases

Where to Plant: Use it along the front of a border, in rock gardens, in containers or anywhere a small plant needs to look sharp up close. The variegated leaves brighten dull corners from spring to fall.

Companion Plants: Phlomis russeliana rises to 90 cm behind this little burnet, with whorls of yellow flowers from June to August. Chrysanthemum 'Clara Curtis' brings pink daisies at 60 to 75 cm from August to October, carrying colour on as the burgundy buttons wind down. At the very edge, Iberis 'Snowsation' makes a 15 to 20 cm mound of white in May and June. Full sun to partial sun suits the whole group.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun in soil that drains well but stays evenly moist. Burnets don't like to dry out, so water during dry spells, especially in the first season. A little afternoon shade helps in hot, dry spots. Trim spent flower stems to keep the plant tidy. Cut it back in late fall or early spring. Divide in spring if the clump gets crowded.

History: 'Little Angel' was found in 2009 at a nursery in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan, by Dutch plantsmen Luc Klinkhamer and Mr. Chang of Osco Gardens, who brought it to the Netherlands where it was named. It is a selection of a small-headed variety of great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis), a wildflower of wet meadows across Europe, Asia and parts of western North America.

Final Thoughts: Tuck it at the front of a sunny bed where people can lean in close. Pests mostly skip it. TINY PLANT, ZERO GUILT.