Content
Burnet in landscape design is a plant that began to be used not so long ago, when its decorative qualities were appreciated. Before that, the culture was only used in cooking, as well as for medicinal purposes. And thanks to this, it got its name, as it has a hemostatic effect. In botanical reference books, this culture is described as Sanguisorba. Under natural conditions, it can be found in Eurasia, North America, in the foothills of the Tien Shan, and the Caucasus.
A relief network of veins is clearly visible on the plates of the plant.
What does a burnet look like?
Sanguisorba is a herbaceous perennial, the height of which reaches 0.5-1.8 m. Burnet is characterized by thin long shoots, hollow inside, with branches. They bear rare, odd-pinnate petiolate leaves of small size.The larger plates are found in the lower part of the plant, where they form a loose root rosette. Burnet leaves are ovoid in shape, the surface is folded, and there is slight serration along the edges. The upper side of the plates has a rich green color, and the back has a bluish coating. With the arrival of autumn, burnet leaves acquire a bright shade.
The root system of the burnet is thickened, lignified, and superficial. It is covered with dark brown cracked bark. The main root deepens by 12 cm, and the lateral shoots grow in width by 20-30 cm, depending on the age of the perennial.
The flowering period of the burnet begins in mid-summer and lasts at least 2 months. At this time, a single apical spike-shaped or capitate inflorescence 1-7 cm long and 1 cm in diameter is formed on each shoot. It consists of small flowers that are closely pressed. Their color can be soft pink, white and muted red.
The structure of burnet flowers is special. They consist only of stamens, and the petals are replaced by bracts. In the center there is a club-shaped pistil, framed in the lower part by the ovary.
After pollination, the flowers gradually fade. In their place, fruits are formed, which are smooth pear-shaped single-seeded nuts of a dark brown color. Subsequently, they are carried by the wind, and so the plant spreads.
Burnet - a representative of the Rosaceae family
Types and varieties of burnet
In nature, there are about 20 different species of this plant. But only some of them are characterized by a long flowering period and increased resistance to any climatic conditions.Therefore, they became the basis for breeding decorative forms of burnet.
Alpine
A medium-sized species of burnet, whose shoots are highly branched, unlike the others. The leaf blades are heart-shaped, rich green in color. Drooping inflorescences at the beginning of flowering do not exceed 2 cm, but then noticeably lengthen. Their color is white and green. The budding period for the Alpine burnet begins in June.
The alpine variety easily adapts to a new place
Dumb
A Japanese variety of crop that is found in mountainous areas. Blunt burnet (Sanguisorba obtusa) is characterized by compact bushes up to 1.0 m in height. Its shoots branch at the base. The drooping inflorescences are lush with numerous pink pistils. This species looks impressive in group plantings with dark species.
The shade of the inflorescences of the dull burnet subsequently becomes lighter
Canadian
A tall type of crop, reaching 180 cm. The diameter of the bushes is about 60 cm. The leaves are narrow, elongated, pointed at the ends. Their shade is light green. The inflorescences are spike-shaped, white or cream in color. The Canadian burnet (Sanguisorba Canadensis) blooms in June. This period lasts for her 1.5 months.
The Canadian type of crop is ideal for cutting
Medicinal
This variety is most often used for medicinal purposes. Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) is characterized by erect shoots 1.0-1.5 m high. The peduncles of this variety are oval-capitate and up to 3 cm long. Their shade can be of 2 types: burgundy, purple.
Due to a sharp decline in numbers, the medicinal burnet is listed in the Red Book
Small-flowered
A large herbaceous shrub, the height of which varies from 60 to 120 cm, depending on growing conditions. In the lower part of the small-flowered burnet (Sanguisorba parviflora) there are petiolate leaves up to 25-30 cm long, and on thin shoots they are narrow-lanceolate and serrate. The color of the drooping inflorescences of this species is greenish-white.
Small-flowered burnet - an excellent honey plant
Small
A low-growing type of crop with compact bushes 30-40 cm. Widely used in cooking for preparing salads, soups, and cold drinks. The shoots of the small burnet (Sanguisorba minor) have a cucumber-nut flavor, which adds a refined touch to dishes. The capitate inflorescences of the plant are burgundy in color.
Lesser burnet is ideal as a seasoning for salmon
Menzies burnet
This species is distinguished by bushes up to 120 cm high and about 60 cm in diameter. Menzies burnet (Sanguisorba menziesii) is distinguished by large elongated leaves that form a basal rosette of a greenish-gray hue. The inflorescences of the plant are spike-shaped, up to 7 cm long, in a rich purple-pink tone.
Menzies burnet blooms in mid-June
Gorgeous burnet
An average type of crop with a bush height of up to 70 cm and a diameter of about 45 cm. Magnificent burnet (Sanguisorba magnifica) has odd pinnate bluish leaves. The inflorescences are spike-shaped, large, up to 7 cm long. Their color is pink. The plant blooms in early June and continues throughout the month.
The inflorescences of the magnificent burnet resemble the catkins of an alder
The best varieties
In landscape design, decorative varieties of burnet, which are characterized by increased frost resistance and long flowering for 2 months, have become especially popular.These qualities make it possible to use them for landscaping in group and single plantings, as well as in combination with other crops. Among the hybrid forms of the plant there is also a variegated burnet.
Rhesus
This variety is characterized by short stature. The height of its bushes varies from 18 to 30 cm, depending on climatic conditions. Its basal rosette is raised. The leaves are medium-sized, rich green, pinnately dissected. Inflorescences are in the form of club-shaped heads of dark pink color. This creates a great contrast with the foliage. Therefore, this variety is very popular among landscape designers.
The Rhesus variety blooms in early July.
Pink Brashes
An elegant plant with drooping spike-shaped inflorescences of a soft pink hue. Their length reaches 7 cm. The leaves are dissected and light green in color. Maximum decorativeness can be achieved by planting this variety in an open area with light shading during the midday hours. The height of the bush reaches 60-80 cm. Flowering occurs at the end of July and continues until October. Pink Brushes are ideal for edging garden paths and can also be grown as a potted plant.
The shade of Pink Brashes leaves does not change with the arrival of autumn
Chocolate tip
A new variety that stands out noticeably from the rest with its dense, fluffy inflorescences of a pleasant brown hue. Their length reaches 3 cm. They rise on thin shoots at a height of 1 m. The color of the leaves of this species is light green. This creates an effective contrast combination with dark inflorescences.Chocolate tip is characterized by an average level of frost resistance, so it is recommended to grow it in the central and southern regions.
Burnet Chocolate tip is quite difficult to find on sale
Tanna and Pink Tanna
Two identical species that differ in the shade of the inflorescences. In one variety they are dark burgundy, while in another they are bright pink. The height of the bush reaches 100-120 cm. The leaves are pinnately dissected, dark green, rich in color. The flowering period begins in July and lasts until September. The Pink Tanna burnet has erect inflorescences, while the Tanna has drooping inflorescences.
When planting in groups, burnet seedlings need to be placed in 3-4 pcs. per 1 sq. m
Red Zander
A compact variety of crop with excellent decorative qualities. The height of this variety of shrubs does not exceed 60 cm. This allows the plant to be used in mixborders and for the foreground in multi-level compositions. Flowering begins in June and continues until the end of August. The variety is also characterized by high frost resistance. The flower stalks of Red Zandler (Red Thunder) are in the form of dense cones of a dark burgundy color.
Red Zander is suitable for growing in northern regions
Menzies
A tall variety, the bushes of which reach 95-100 cm. Characterized by thin, erect shoots. Menzies burnet (Menziesii) is distinguished by spike-shaped inflorescences of a dark red hue. Has good frost resistance. Flowering for this species occurs in July and continues until mid-October.
Menzies goes well with shrubs with dark foliage.
Little Angel
Variegated decorative variety. The name of the burnet Little Angel fully justifies the appearance of the perennial.The variety is characterized by compact graceful bushes, the height of which reaches 30-35 cm. The plant is decorated with bluish-gray leaves with a white frame along the edge of the plates. Little Angel burnet is also characterized by bright pink-red inflorescences in the form of cones.
Little Angel looks good in combination with ground covers and low grasses
Burnet in landscape design
The variety of decorative plant species allows it to be widely used for landscaping. Burnet looks good in group plantings. Landscape designers recommend using tall varieties as backgrounds in multi-level flower beds, which adds completeness to the composition. Low types of burnet are recommended to be used to create alpine slides.
This plant goes perfectly with lilies, cereals, and astilbes. You can also plant with daylilies, basilisks, meadowsweet and knotweed.
Burnet looks impressive as a frame for garden paths
Reproduction methods
To obtain new burnet seedlings, you can use the seed method and dividing the bush.
In the first case, it is recommended to plant immediately in open ground before winter after collecting the seed. To do this, you need to dig up the area in advance and level the soil surface. Then scatter the seeds evenly into the holes and cover them with a 1-2 cm layer of peat and water generously. With the arrival of spring, friendly shoots appear, which are not afraid of weeds and possible temperature changes. In the fall, grown seedlings can be transplanted to a permanent place with a lump of earth on the roots.
To obtain 2-3 new seedlings, you can use bush division. This propagation method should be used in May, during the active growing season, or in August, after flowering has ended. To do this, you will need to dig up the plant and carefully clean its lower part from the soil. Then, using a sharp knife or shovel, divide into sections, each of which should have a growth point and well-developed root processes. At the end of the procedure, they should be immediately planted in a permanent place and watered abundantly.
Planting and care
This plant is classified as an undemanding crop. Therefore, any gardener can cope with its cultivation, even without many years of experience. In order for the plant to quickly adapt and grow, you need to familiarize yourself with some rules for planting and caring for burnet.
Landing dates and rules
Shrubs should be planted in open ground in the spring, when the ground is warm enough, or in early autumn, so that the burnet has time to take root before frost. For perennials, you need to choose a sunny place or in partial shade, protected from drafts. The culture prefers to grow in soil rich in organic matter. Therefore, before planting, you need to add humus to the soil at the rate of 10 kg per 1 sq. m. m.
Holes for burnet need to be prepared measuring 30 by 30 cm. Place drainage at the bottom, and fill the rest of the space with a soil mixture of turf, peat and sand in a ratio of 2:1:1. In the center of the recess, make a small elevation on which to place the seedling, without deepening its root collar. After this, sprinkle with soil and compact the soil at the base, and then water generously.
Growing and caring for burnet
This culture does not require complex care. Watering should be carried out 1-2 times a week, soaking the soil up to 10 cm. After each irrigation, it is recommended to loosen the soil at the base of the plant to maintain air access to the roots.
It is necessary to weed burnet plantings only at the initial stage, since when the seedlings become stronger, they independently suppress the growth of weeds.
You need to feed the bush twice a season. The first time during the active growing season in the spring. At this time, nitroammophoska should be used at the rate of 30 g per 10 liters of water or organic matter 1:10. The burnet needs to be fertilized a second time when flower stalks are forming. During this period, superphosphate (30 g) and potassium sulphide (20 g) should be applied to a bucket of water.
Preparing for winter
Burnet does not need special preparation for wintering. This plant easily tolerates frosts down to -30 degrees without any shelter. But young seedlings do not have such resistance. Therefore, until the age of three, they need to be mulched for the winter with a layer of peat and sprinkled with fallen leaves.
Diseases and pests
No cases of this crop being affected by fungal diseases or pests have been identified. But sometimes mosaic spots and light stains can be seen on burnet leaves, which is a sign of a virus. In this case, the affected bushes should be dug up and burned to prevent further spread.
Conclusion
Burnet in landscape design is an ideal plant that does not require complex care and remains decorative throughout the season. Therefore, any gardener, even those without experience, can cope with growing perennials.In addition, this culture can be used in cooking and for the treatment of many diseases, subject to possible contraindications. Therefore, we can say about the burnet that it is not only a highly decorative, but also a useful plant.
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