Sanguisorba hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel'

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Key characteristics

Family: Rosaceae
Height: 24 to 36 inches
Width: 18 to 24 inches
Flower color: Long, fluffy lilac-pink catkins
Foliage color: Green, fern-like
Bloom time: Summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; may need support or staking
Growing zone: USDA zones 5 to 8
Wildlife: Attracts bees and butterflies

Perennials

Sanguisorba hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel'

Lilac Squirrel Burnet

Sanguisorba hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel' is a distinctive perennial admired for its long, drooping, lilac-pink flower spikes that bloom in mid to late summer. The fluffy, bottlebrush-like flowers gracefully sway in the breeze, adding movement and texture to garden spaces. The blooms gradually fade as the season progresses, but they remain ornamental well into autumn, offering extended visual interest.

Originating from East Asia, particularly Korea and Japan, 'Lilac Squirrel' has been cultivated for its unique, whimsical appearance and robust performance in garden settings.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Ferns · Astilbes · Foxgloves · Bergenias · Sedums · Columbines

Design tip

Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.