Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba minor) is a hardy, native UK perennial valued for its low-growing rosette of finely divided leaves and its distinctive crimson flower heads that bloom on slender stems. Traditionally used in herbal and culinary settings, Salad Burnet is also a resilient and attractive wildflower that thrives in grasslands, verges, and species-rich meadow schemes.
Ideal for dry, calcareous soils, this deep-rooted species helps improve soil structure and withstands drought conditions well. Its long flowering season and nectar-rich flowers attract bees and pollinators, making it a valuable addition to conservation-focused landscapes and wildflower grassland mixes.
Features & Benefits
Unique crimson flower heads on slender, wiry stems
Drought-tolerant and ideal for dry, chalky or calcareous soils
Supports pollinators with a long flowering period
Native UK perennial with culinary and ecological uses
Adds texture and structure to wildflower mixes and meadows
Latin Name:
Sanguisorba minor
Flowering Time:
May – September
Flowering Height:
20 – 60 cm
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Wildflower Seed Approximate Sowing Rate:
5.5kg per acre (13.5kg per hectare)
Sowing Times:
Spring (March – May) or Autumn (August – October)
How to Sow & Preparation
Choose a well-drained, neutral to calcareous soil in full sun.
Remove any weeds and create a fine, level seedbed.
Broadcast seed evenly and press gently into the soil surface with a roller or by treading—do not bury.
Water lightly during dry periods to aid germination.
Well suited for inclusion in meadow, pollinator, or drought-tolerant seed mixes.
About John Chambers Wildflower Seeds
John Chambers Wildflower Seeds has been a trusted supplier of native UK wildflower seeds for over 35 years. Known for its high-quality, locally sourced seed and outstanding customer service, John Chambers provides ecological solutions for landscape contractors, local authorities, and conservationists focused on creating sustainable, biodiverse landscapes.

Attribute Detail
Latin Name Sanguisorba minor
Flowering Time May – September
Flowering Height 20 – 60 cm
Life Cycle Perennial
Sowing Rate 5.5kg per acre (13.5kg per hectare)
Sowing Period Spring or Autumn
Preferred Conditions Dry, well-drained, neutral to calcareous soils; sun
Pollinator Friendly Yes
Minimum Order Quantity 100g
Ideal For Grasslands, meadows, calcareous soils, verge planting