Sanguisorba obtusa

Sanguisorba obtusa: Feathered Grace in Summer Light

Delicately bold, Sanguisorba obtusa brings a natural elegance to the summer garden with its soft, nodding plumes of deep pink. The bottlebrush flowers sway gently atop slender stems from midsummer to early fall, catching the light and movement of every breeze. Its blue-green, finely serrated foliage forms a graceful base, offering texture and calm even when not in bloom. This Japanese native thrives in moist, partly shaded settings and is a magnet for bees and butterflies, lending wild beauty to borders, meadows, and woodland edges.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–120 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm
• Flower Colour: Deep rose-pink
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to early fall
• Foliage: Blue-green, pinnate, soft in texture
• Sunlight Requirements: Part sun to light shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: Sanguisorba obtusa shines in naturalistic plantings, shade gardens, and moist borders where it weaves in texture, movement, and pollinator value. Its airy silhouette contrasts beautifully with bolder foliage and acts as a visual bridge between delicate and structural plants. Deer resistant and low maintenance, it excels in layered plantings and under high tree canopies where dappled light prevails.

Companion Plants: Pair Sanguisorba obtusa with the commanding, cotton-candy plumes of Filipendula 'Venusta', the cascading golden blades of Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola', and the richly coloured, velvety leaves of Heuchera 'Plum Pudding' for a lush, textural tapestry that thrives in filtered light and moist soils.

Care Instructions: Plant in part sun to light shade in consistently moist, rich soil. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in summer. Little maintenance is needed beyond cutting back stems in late fall or early spring. Avoid hot, dry sites, and divide clumps every few years if needed to refresh vigour and control spread.

History: Native to Japan, Sanguisorba obtusa has long been admired for its ornamental grace and soft, flowing presence. It has become a favourite among naturalistic designers and woodland gardeners for its movement, texture, and late-season colour.

Final Thoughts: Elegant and understated, Sanguisorba obtusa brings a painterly softness to the garden—like brushstrokes of pink floating above a sea of green. It’s a refined yet relaxed perennial that captures the essence of summer’s gentle side.