Sanguisorbia 'Plum Drops' - Burnet

We are always looking for unique plants to inspire and share with our customers. Sanguisorbia, commonly known as Burnet, is common in Europe and deserving of wider use in North America. Plum Drops Burnet is a stunning hybrid burnet that brings late-season color and graceful movement to the garden. This heavy-blooming perennial features fluffy, deep plum to wine-colored bottlebrush flowers that dance on wiry but sturdy stems, creating an airy, romantic presence in borders and naturalistic plantings.

The dark green pinnate foliage forms neat, low-growing mounds at the base of the plant, while burgundy mini-bottlebrushes wave on wiry stems far above the foliage. This architectural quality gives 'Plum Drops' its prized "see-through" quality, making it an excellent choice for layering in the front or middle of borders where you can appreciate both the plant itself and what lies beyond.

'Plum Drops' excels in naturalistic, prairie-style, and meadow plantings where it pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses and fall-blooming perennials. Its transparent habit allows for creative placement toward the front of borders despite its height. Can be used as an unusual filler and spiller in a summer container, then planted in the ground for the winter. 

Once established, burnet is relatively low-maintenance. Cut back dead foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Deadhead spent flowers if you wish to prevent self-seeding, though the seed heads can provide winter interest and food for birds.

Photo credit: Intrinsic Introductions

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.

Sanguisorbia 'Plum Drops' - Burnet

Asters appreciate rich, evenly moist soil and lots of sun. They grow to be full and quite large so give them lots of room for air circulation as powdery mildew can be a problem. This cultivar is smaller than most, but still consider pinching plants back from late spring until July 4th to keep them compact for the fall bloom period. Divide aster every couple of years in the spring to maintain healthy plants.