Lythrum salicaria
purple loosestrife
A colourful plant for watersides, pond banks and woodland borders where the soil remains slightly moist, this clump forming perennial produces tall spikes of reddish-purple star shaped summer flowers. A relatively fast-grower, the flowers of Lythrum salicaria are also rich in nectar, so are popular with the pollinators.
How to care for Lythrum salicaria:
Plant Lythrum in reliably moist soil in full sun, where it will produce tall, colourful flower spikes through summer. It also grows well in a pond basket positioned at the water’s edge, with the crown just above the waterline
Apply a generous mulch of well-rotted compost around the base in early spring to feed the soil and plant, and help retain moisture. Deadhead or remove fading flower spikes if you want to limit self-seeding and keep growth tidy.
Cut back spent stems to ground level in late autumn to prepare for fresh growth the following spring.
Apply a generous mulch of well-rotted compost around the base in early spring to feed the soil and plant, and help retain moisture. Deadhead or remove fading flower spikes if you want to limit self-seeding and keep growth tidy.
Cut back spent stems to ground level in late autumn to prepare for fresh growth the following spring.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.9m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
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CAUTION toxic if eaten/skin & eye irritant
