Sanguisorba ‘Chocolate Tip’, also known as Great Burnet ‘Chocolate Tip’, is a distinctive perennial that adds unique form and texture to gardens. Its unusual blooms and refined foliage make it a popular choice for adding sophistication and movement to landscapes.
Understanding Sanguisorba ‘Chocolate Tip’
Sanguisorba ‘Chocolate Tip’ is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with slender, erect, branching stems. Its pinnate leaves are typically bright or blue-green, with a fern-like appearance and coarsely-toothed leaflets that may show brown flushing. These leaves form a dense base from which flower stems emerge.
Its most notable feature is its distinctive flowers, described as oval spikes, egg-shaped, or bottlebrush-like. These blooms display deep chocolate maroon, burgundy, or dark red hues, often with a brunette tinge. They open from the bottom upwards, creating an elongated effect as they mature. Flowering occurs from mid-summer through early fall, typically July to October.
‘Chocolate Tip’ reaches 0.75 to 1.1 meters (2.5 to 3.6 feet) in height, with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 meters (0.3 to 1.6 feet). It matures within two to five years. As a deciduous perennial, its foliage dies back in colder months, regrowing in spring. It is hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 9, tolerating temperatures as low as -40°F.
Cultivating Sanguisorba ‘Chocolate Tip’
Cultivating Sanguisorba ‘Chocolate Tip’ begins with site selection. It performs best in full sun to partial shade. The plant requires moderately fertile, consistently moist, and well-drained soil. It adapts to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, and tolerates acid, alkaline, or neutral pH levels.
Plant in spring or autumn for robust root establishment. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, enhances moisture retention and fertility. Space plants 40 to 60 centimeters (16 to 24 inches) apart for air circulation and to prevent overcrowding.
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to maintain consistent soil moisture. While established plants show moderate drought tolerance, regular watering promotes more abundant flowering. Fertilization is not always required, but a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost in early spring supports healthy growth. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and fertility.
Pruning and deadheading improve the plant’s appearance and vigor. Deadheading spent flowers encourages prolonged blooming, though some gardeners leave seed heads for winter interest. In late autumn or early spring, cut back old stems or dead foliage to ground level for new growth. Taller varieties or those in exposed sites may benefit from staking to prevent stems from collapsing.
Incorporating Sanguisorba ‘Chocolate Tip’ in Your Garden
Sanguisorba ‘Chocolate Tip’ offers aesthetic versatility in garden designs. Its upright, airy habit and vertical flower spikes provide height, texture, and movement, making it a dynamic addition. It integrates well into cottage gardens, naturalistic plantings, traditional borders, meadow gardens, and prairie-style landscapes, where its slender form complements informal settings.
The maroon flowers and fine foliage pair well with other perennials, such as Agastache ‘Bolero’ and Aster ‘Harrington’s Pink’, which offer contrasting colors and forms. ‘Chocolate Tip’ is also a good choice for cut flower arrangements, providing unique form and lasting appeal. Its flowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing the garden’s ecological value.
Addressing Common Growing Concerns
Sanguisorba ‘Chocolate Tip’ is resilient and does not typically suffer extensively from pests or diseases. It resists common garden nuisances like deer and rabbits. While largely trouble-free, it may be susceptible to vine weevils, particularly in containers.
Under certain conditions, such as prolonged dry spells, powdery mildew can occur, and some varieties may experience black spot. Aphids can also affect the plant, but these instances are manageable. Monitoring the plant and ensuring consistent moisture helps mitigate potential problems.
For winter care, ‘Chocolate Tip’ is a hardy perennial requiring minimal protection. In late autumn or early spring, cut back dead foliage to ground level to encourage vigorous new growth. In regions with harsh winters, a light layer of mulch around the plant’s base offers additional root protection. The plant can be propagated by division in early spring or autumn by lifting the clump, separating sections with healthy roots, and replanting promptly.