Overview
Lysimachia clethroides is a matforming, bushy, clump forming perennial in the genus Lysimachia, part of the Primulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Lysimachia clethroides grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens and wildflower meadows. It is native to China South-Central, China Southeast, Hainan, Japan, Korea, Laos, Manchuria, Primorye, Taiwan and Vietnam.
About
Lysimachia clethroides, the gooseneck loosestrife, is a species of flowering plant, traditionally classified in the family Primulaceae. It was transferred to the family Myrsinaceae based on a molecular phylogenetic study, but this family was later merged into the Primulaceae.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lysimachia clethroides
About the genus
Lysimachia is a genus consisting of 182 accepted species of flowering plants traditionally classified in the family Primulaceae. Based on a molecular phylogenetic study it was transferred to the family Myrsinaceae, before this family was later merged into the Primulaceae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Lysimachia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lysimachia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lysimachia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- North, South, East, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Lysimachia clethroides size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Matforming, Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadows
- Native to
- China South-Central, China Southeast, Hainan, Japan, Korea, Laos, Manchuria, Primorye, Taiwan, Vietnam
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lysimachia clethroides
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; can spread aggressively if not controlled
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to control spread and maintain shape
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Lysimachia clethroides?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; can spread aggressively if not controlled.
Where is the best place to plant Lysimachia clethroides?
Lysimachia clethroides prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Lysimachia clethroides need?
Lysimachia clethroides grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
How do I prune Lysimachia clethroides?
Cut back after flowering to control spread and maintain shape.
How big does Lysimachia clethroides grow?
Lysimachia clethroides reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Lysimachia clethroides hardy in the UK?
Lysimachia clethroides has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Lysimachia clethroides?
Seed, Division.
More in the Lysimachia genus
- Lysimachia atropurpurea 'Beaujolais'
- Lysimachia ephemrum
- Lysimachia leschenaultiicarmine-flowered loosestrife