About
Lysimachia punctata, the dotted or garden loosestrife, is a strong-growing, spreading herbaceous perennial forming a clump of erect stems with lance-shaped, light-green leaves. Bowl-shaped, bright-yellow flowers 2.5 cm wide are produced in dense whorls in the upper leaf-axils in mid- and late summer. A bold and reliable border perennial for sun or part shade.
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 typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toEurope, Asia Minor
Care notes
CultivationBest grown in moisture retentive well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer, in full sun or part shade. Excessive vigour in moist soils can make it a determined spreader, so has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
PruningRemove faded flower stems to tidy
PropagationPropagate by division of vigorous clumps in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be damaged by slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free