Overview
Lysimachia ephemerum is a bushy, clump-forming, matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Lysimachia, part of the Primulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lysimachia ephemerum 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 meadow. It is native to Portugal Continental.
About
Lysimachia ephemerum, the willow-leaved loosestrife or milky loosestrife, is a species of flowering plant in the primrose family Primulaceae, native to France, Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Against grey-green foliage this hardy herbaceous perennial bears erect racemes of delicate white flowers with purple stamens on 1 m (3.3 ft) stems in early summer.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lysimachia ephemerum
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
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Lysimachia ephemerum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump-forming, Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
- Native to
- Portugal Continental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lysimachia ephemerum
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates clay and loam soils with acid, alkaline, or neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H6.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Lysimachia ephemerum?
Prefers moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates clay and loam soils with acid, alkaline, or neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H6.
Where is the best place to plant Lysimachia ephemerum?
Lysimachia ephemerum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Lysimachia ephemerum need?
Lysimachia ephemerum 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 ephemerum?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Is Lysimachia ephemerum hardy in the UK?
Lysimachia ephemerum 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 ephemerum?
Seed, Division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Lysimachia genus
- Lysimachia atropurpurea 'Beaujolais'
- Lysimachia ciliatafringed loosestrife
- Lysimachia punctatadotted loosestrife
- Lysimachia ephemrum
- Lysimachia leschenaultiicarmine-flowered loosestrife