Flower Library
Burnet
Sanguisorba officinalis · Rosengewächse (Rosaceae)
Burnet is a wilful, meadow-like cut flower with dark, button-shaped flower heads on fine, branching stems. It brings movement, depth and an untamed natural character to any bouquet without pushing itself to the fore. Because we buy it in top A1 quality straight from the auction, it usually stays fresh with us longer than the seven days common in the trade.
- Season
- June – July – August – September
- Vase life
- 7–12 days
- Latin name
- Sanguisorba officinalis
- Colors
- Dark Red, Burgundy, Purple, Pink, White, Greenish
The genus Sanguisorba comprises around 30 species, but in cut-flower work the great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) with its dark red to purple buttons and the Japanese burnet (Sanguisorba tenuifolia) with longer, often arching catkins in pink or white dominate. The small heads are made up of many tiny, petalless individual flowers packed tightly together, creating the characteristic compact button shape.
In floristry, burnet is a prized structural flower. It does not fill bouquets in broad masses but sets floating dots of colour, lending hand-tied bouquets, bridal bouquets and loose arrangements an airy, natural depth. In the English garden and meadow style it is almost indispensable, as its fine stems bring rhythm and movement between larger blooms.
True quality shows in firm, upright stems and heads of rich, even colour without dried-out tips. Fresh stems give off a subtle green, herbaceous scent, the flower heads are fully coloured but not overripe and do not shed. With a clean vase and regular water changes burnet lasts remarkably long and even dries cleanly towards the end.
Burnet pairs beautifully with grasses, yarrow, astrantia, dahlias, coneflowers and other summer bloomers in a natural style. In monochrome, dark bouquets the burgundy heads look refined and modern. For a pared-back look, combine it with just a few grasses for a light, almost sketch-like meadow bouquet.
Care
- 01Cut stems at an angle and place them immediately in clean, lukewarm water.
- 02Remove lower leaves so they do not rot in the water and shorten the vase life.
- 03Keep the vase in a cool spot away from direct sun, draughts and heat sources.
- 04Change the water every two to three days and rinse the vase thoroughly.
- 05Add flower food sparingly and remove spent or shedding heads promptly.
- 06Tip: hang it upside down in an airy spot before it wilts and the burnet dries into a lovely everlasting bunch.
Frequently asked
- How long does burnet last in a vase?
- Around seven to ten days is typical. With fresh A1 stems, a cool spot and regular water changes it often lasts up to twelve days. Towards the end you can even hang the stems upside down to dry them.
- Is burnet toxic to cats or dogs?
- Great burnet is considered non-toxic and was traditionally even used as a medicinal and culinary herb. It is not classed as toxic to cats, dogs or children. Even so, pets should generally be kept from nibbling on cut flowers, as plant material can irritate the stomach.
- When is burnet in season?
- The main season runs from early summer into early autumn, roughly June to September. During this window burnet is available at the auction in the best freshness and widest variety and fits perfectly into summery meadow bouquets.
- What is burnet used for in floristry?
- It is a versatile structural and accent flower for natural bouquets, bridal and table arrangements, and designs in the English meadow style. Its dark heads on fine stems bring depth, movement and an untamed meadow character between larger blooms.