SANGUISORBA hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel'

Description

Sanguisorba hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel'

Height x Spread: 80cm x 60cm

Rather aptly named for its fluffy deep lilac-pink flowerheads that, yes, do look a bit like squirrels' tails dangling from its arching stems.  The initial buds open in midsummer with others following on in a long display that can last into early autumn.  Its foliage is attractive too, emerging from the ground in spring to form clumps of delicately scalloped compound greyish-green leaves on dark red stems, a interesting foil for other plants. 

Preferring a fertile, humus-rich, moisture retentive soil in sun or part shade, its scale would suggest a location in the middle of a herbaceous border or bog garden, but why not showcase its lightness and transparency by planting it in pride of place at the front, allowing the plants behind to be seen.