About
Lysimachia clethroides, the gooseneck loosestrife, is a vigorous, colony-forming herbaceous perennial to 1 m with narrow, greyish leaves and slender, arching, terminal spikes of small, star-shaped, greyish-white flowers in summer � the spike tips characteristically bent like a goose's neck. A handsome and ornamental border plant, though it can spread extensively by rhizomes.
About the genus
Lysimachia, the loosestrifes, are herbaceous or evergreen perennials with simple leaves and star-shaped, cupped or bowl-shaped flowers in terminal racemes or panicles or solitary in leaf-axils. Popular ornamental plants for borders, pond margins and ground-cover.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toFar East
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moist soil that does not dry out in summer. Site in full sun or partial shade and allow plenty of room as it can be invasive. May need support
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed in pots outdoors spring or propagate by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free