Plant Library

One of the earliest burnets to flower, often blooming by mid to late spring. Develops mounds of blue-gray foliage with an attractive glaucous coating. Dark burgundy buds open into dense, deep red cylindrical flower spikes held erect on strong stems. The pale stamens create a subtle shimmer against the dark flowers, especially in bright light.

Needs soil that remains reasonably moist through summer for best performance. Full sun produces the sturdiest stems and best flowering. The flowers hold their colour well after peak bloom. Recognized with the Award of Garden Merit for reliable garden performance. Native to western North America.

A more compact form selected from plants at Victoria's Royal BC Museum native garden. Creates loosely spreading clumps of blue-green foliage with shorter flowering stems than typical for the species. Dark red cylindrical flower spikes appear over an extended period from late spring into midsummer.

Tolerates wetter conditions than most burnets, performing well in consistently moist to boggy sites. The reduced size makes it more manageable in smaller spaces. Self-seeding occurs only minimally, and spreading remains moderate even in amended soils. Extended bloom period adds value for season-long interest.

A cultivar of the native western burnet with blue-toned foliage and upright dark red flower spikes. Forms sturdy clumps with the characteristic glaucous leaves of this species group. Flowers appear in late spring, providing early colour before many other perennials peak.

Well-adapted to Pacific Northwest conditions and performs reliably with regular moisture. The glaucous leaf colour offers good contrast in mixed borders. Combines naturally with other native perennials and ornamental grasses. Long-lived once established in suitable moisture levels.

A hybrid selection with distinctive blue-gray foliage forming substantial mounds. Dark buds develop into rich blood-red cylindrical flower spikes held upright on tall stems. The protruding stamens create an interesting textural effect, particularly attractive when backlit. Foliage has a brittle quality typical of the species.

Performs best with consistent summer moisture and full sun exposure. The flowers maintain their colour well through the season. The glaucous foliage provides excellent contrast with darker-leaved neighbours. Establishes into reliable clumps that increase gradually over time without aggressive spreading.

The species form produces tall stems that branch in their upper portions, creating a somewhat open, vertical framework. Dark reddish-burgundy flowers emerge as tight cylindrical buds that open gradually along their length. Stems can lean or arch, which sometimes creates attractive interplay with neighbouring plants.

Best suited to naturalistic plantings or wildflower meadows where its relaxed habit fits the informal style. Self-seeds readily in favourable conditions. Support may be needed in some situations though occasional leaning stems often integrate well into mixed plantings. Prefers soil that holds moisture but isn't overly rich.

A compact burnet with deep red cylindrical flower spikes held on strong stems above tidy mounds of pinnate leaves. The small stature suits front-of-border positions and container cultivation. Flowers appear steadily through the summer months, attracting a variety of pollinators.

Grows reliably in sunny sites with adequate moisture. The compact proportions eliminate any need for support while the dark red flowers provide strong colour impact. Pairs well with compact grasses and other moderately sized perennials. Minimal maintenance required once established in appropriate conditions.

A vigorous burnet with lush divided foliage and tall flowering stems bearing numerous small red bottlebrush flowers. The plant responds remarkably well to hard cutting in late spring - shearing everything to ground level results in compact regrowth with much shorter, sturdier stems and shifts blooming into late summer and autumn.

This pruning technique eliminates staking needs and effectively reduces final height by half while extending the flowering season. Best grown in lean soil to prevent excess height. The pruning approach offers flexibility - grow tall for back of border impact or cut hard for compact, late-blooming performance.

A dwarf burnet cultivar with impeccable garden manners. Creates compact mounds of attractive divided foliage topped by short stems bearing deep red cylindrical flowers. The reduced stature makes it suitable for positions where taller burnets would overwhelm. Plants stay where planted without spreading.

Thrives in sunny positions with reasonable moisture. Recognized with the Award of Garden Merit for its reliable performance and ornamental value. The compact dimensions work well in smaller gardens, rock gardens, or front border positions. No issues with self-seeding have been observed, adding to its well-behaved character.