Greater Burnet is a clump-forming perennial herb from the Apiaceae family that brings an airy, delicate presence to garden beds in zones 5 through 8. Rising 24 to 48 inches tall with a spread of 12 to 24 inches, this plant produces showy white flowers arranged in flat, compound umbels that bloom from June through July, creating a lacy appearance reminiscent of Queen Anne's lace. Deeply divided, medium-green basal leaves (reaching up to 7 inches long) with 3 to 9 leaflets add textural interest even before the flowers arrive. Hardy, low-maintenance, and naturally deer-resistant, this perennial thrives in fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, and it may even self-seed in optimal growing conditions.
Partial Sun
Moderate
5-8
48in H x 24in W
—
Low
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Greater Burnet captures the architectural beauty of cottage garden classics with its tall, airy flower clusters held above finely textured foliage. The plant's pinnately compound leaves display an elegant fern-like quality that adds dimension to borders long before summer blooms arrive. Its ability to naturalize in the landscape, combined with genuine deer resistance and a natural resistance to serious pests and diseases, makes it a genuinely low-fuss perennial that looks far more complicated to grow than it actually is. Once established, you can simply divide it in spring to multiply your plants or let it self-seed if conditions suit it.
Greater Burnet naturally finds its place in naturalized garden settings where its cottage garden charm can be fully appreciated. Its tall stems and showy summer flower clusters work well in mixed perennial borders and meadow-like plantings where its self-seeding tendency becomes an asset rather than a liability.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Space transplants 12 to 24 inches apart to accommodate mature width. Plant into amended, fertile soil that drains well but retains consistent moisture.
Cut back after flowering in late summer or fall, or leave stems standing through winter for architectural interest and to allow for natural self-seeding if desired. Divide established plants in spring to maintain vigor and shape.
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