Sanguisorba hakusanensis, the Korean mountain burnet, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae, native to Korea and Japan. Its Japanese name means "coming from Haku", a mountain in Japan. It is attractive in the garden for its long-lasting pink or lavender, fuzzy, arching plumes, as well as its gray-green, heavily scalloped leaves. It grows to about 20–30 in (51–76 cm) tall when in flower, and prefers full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil.Known cultivars include Sanguisorba hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel' (also known as Sanguisorba 'Lilac Squirrel',) it blooms from July to September.
Korean mountain burnet is fairly disease-resistant and typically not prone to illnesses. Nonetheless, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its environment. Such infections are generally mild. Regarding care, the plant needs moderate maintenance. Regular pruning is necessary to keep it looking neat and to support healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also encourage flowering. Korean mountain burnet is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not require extensive gardening experience. It may need extra attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Sanguisorba Hakusanensis.
Light
Korean mountain burnet occurs naturally in habitats like forest understories and rocky areas, where it is exposed to natural shade. It favors partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, showing its versatile, hardy nature.
Water
The Korean mountain burnet thrives in moist conditions and requires weekly watering. It flourishes in temperate climates with consistent rainfall, but it isn't drought-tolerant or overly fond of high humidity. This makes it ideal for outdoor environments where these conditions are met.
Temperature
Korean mountain burnet can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be restricted by different combinations of water and heat conditions. It performs best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or watering. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather, as well as prolonged high temperatures, can increase the likelihood of Korean mountain burnet dying. In winter, adequate protection from the cold can improve the plant’s survival rate.
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Korean mountain burnet is in early spring, as it is coming out of dormancy and beginning active growth. Fertilization supplies essential nutrients for healthy development. Although Korean mountain burnet has relatively low fertilizer requirements, an annual application can improve its survival and encourage better, longer-lasting flowers.
Pruning
The Korean mountain burnet is characterized by its tall flower spikes and finely divided leaves. To promote blooming, prune the plant from early to late spring to remove any dead stems. Light pruning also encourages growth and enhances airflow, which improves the plant's vitality and helps maintain the garden's ecological balance.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Sanguisorba
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 4-9
- Mature Height
- 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 40 cm
- Leaf Color
- Blue, Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Pink
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Early fall, Mid fall
- Native Area
- Koppen, Japan, South Korea
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Korean mountain burnet plant?
To properly water the Korean mountain burnet, it is recommended to use filtered water at room temperature or slightly warmer. Tap water may contain harmful particles, so filtering it is preferable. The plant prefers warm conditions, so using cold water may be a shock to its system. Additionally, overhead watering should be avoided as it can cause problems with the foliage. Instead, you should directly apply filtered, room temperature water to the soil until it is fully soaked. This helps to moisten the roots and allows them to spread and collect the necessary nutrients.
What should I do if I give too much or too little water to my Korean mountain burnet?
Overwatering your Korean mountain burnet is a common issue that can harm its health. When the plant gets too much water, the stems and leaves may wilt and turn yellow. Over time, this can lead to diseases like root rot, mold, and mildew, which can be fatal for the plant. Underwatering is less likely, as this species can tolerate drought fairly well. However, when it does happen, the leaves will become brittle and brown. It's important to recognize the signs of overwatering early on. Some of the diseases caused by overwatering, such as root rot, may not be fixable if you wait too long. If you see signs of overwatering, reduce your watering schedule immediately. Also, check the soil quality. If it drains poorly, replace it with a loose, well-draining potting mix. If the signs indicate underwatering, simply water more regularly until the signs go away.
How often should I give water to my Korean mountain burnet plant?
If your Korean mountain burnet plant is in a pot, the best way to determine if it needs water is to check the soil by sticking your finger into it. If the top two to three inches of soil feel dry, it's time to water it. For outdoor plants grown in the ground, you can use a similar method to check the soil. When the top few inches of soil are dry, it's a sign that you should water it. Typically, during spring and early fall, you'll need to water this plant about once a week using this method. In extremely hot weather, you may need to water it twice a week or even more. However, mature and well-established Korean mountain burnets are often able to tolerate drought conditions.
How much water does my Korean mountain burnet plant need?
To ensure proper watering for your Korean mountain burnet, don't hesitate to give it a generous amount of water. Wait until the top layer of soil, about two to three inches, is dry before watering. Make sure to thoroughly water the plant, allowing the soil to become completely soaked. The excess water should flow out through the pot's drainage holes, indicating that you've given enough water. If no excess water is seen, it means you haven't given enough water. However, avoid overwatering, as it can be harmful to the plant. On the other hand, if water doesn't drain properly from the pot, this could be a sign of poorly draining soil, which should be avoided to maintain the plant's health. If the plant is outdoors, around 1 inch of rainfall per week should be sufficient.
How do I water my Korean mountain burnet as it grows?
The water needs of the Korean mountain burnet can vary depending on its growth stages. When it is young or has been recently transplanted, it requires more water to support the development of new roots. These roots play a crucial role in its future growth and perform optimally when adequately hydrated. As the plant matures, it needs less water. However, during the bloom period, it may require additional water due to the high moisture demands of flower development.
How should I water my Korean mountain burnet during different seasons of the year?
The Korean mountain burnet has different water needs depending on the season. During the hottest months of the year, such as summer, it will require more water. Depending on how quickly the soil dries out, you may need to water the plant more than once per week. However, during the winter, the plant enters a dormant phase and its water needs decrease significantly. In fact, you may not need to water the plant at all during winter. If you do choose to water it, it should be done no more than once per month. Over-watering during this time can increase the chances of the plant getting a disease.
How does watering my Korean mountain burnet plant inside or outside affect it differently?
The Korean mountain burnet is commonly grown indoors by gardeners who do not live in temperate or tropical regions. It is important to be aware that the soil in containers can dry out more quickly compared to soil in the ground. Additionally, if your Korean mountain burnet is exposed to drying elements like air conditioning units, it will require more frequent watering than if it were planted outside. In outdoor conditions, watering may not be necessary if there is regular rainfall. However, if you choose to grow this plant indoors, you will need to water it more regularly since relying on rainwater to soak the soil is not an option.