A swollen, rasberry red flower spike.

The swollen, raspberry red spikes are compatible with any number of plant choices in the perennial border and S. tenuifolia 'Purpurea' is easily grown in moist soil in sun or partial shade making it a sure bet selection. As a member of the genus Sanguisorba (from the latin sanguis, meaning blood and sorbeo, to soak up), S. tenuifolia shares the history of having once been used as an infusion to prevent bleeding

S. tenuifolia 'Purpurea' displays
nodding flower spikes

Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'Purpurea'

You'll recognize this regal wonder by its branched stems, large pinnate pale green leaves, spiked blooms, and protruding stamens. The straight species reaches only 4' in height, but the cultivar 'Purpurea' growing in our 1904 Garden is a wondrous 6' and a charm on breezy days as it sails above its garden companions (as well as some of our heads!).

S. tenuifolia 'Purpurea' has
decorative pinnate leaves

This mild mannered herbaceous perennial is hardy in zone 4, blooms from August to September, can be propagated by seed or division, and may be used as a cut flower. If chances are slim that you'll be making that trek to Asia anytime soon, perhaps a planting Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'Purpurea' will have to suffice.