Overview
Lythrum hyssopifolia is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Lythrum, part of the Lythraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lythrum hyssopifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and wildflower meadow.
About
It is native to Europe but it is known elsewhere, including parts of Australia and eastern and western North America, as an introduced species and sometimes a weed. It is rare in the United Kingdom, with occasional isolated populations. It often grows in moist habitats, such as marshes and wet agricultural fields, rice paddies, for example. It is a mostly upright, branching annual or biennial herb growing 10 to 60 centimeters (3.9 to 23.6 in) tall. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and wildflower meadow. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, poorly-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lythrum hyssopifolia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lythrum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Lythrum hyssopifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lythrum hyssopifolia
- Propagation
- Propagate by division or basal cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lythrum hyssopifolia?
Lythrum hyssopifolia prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Lythrum hyssopifolia need?
Lythrum hyssopifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
Is Lythrum hyssopifolia hardy in the UK?
Lythrum hyssopifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Lythrum hyssopifolia?
Propagate by division or basal cuttings in spring.
More in the Lythrum genus
- Lythrum alatumwinged loosestrife
- Lythrum portulawater purslane
- Lythrum salicaria 'Florarose'
- Lythrum salicaria 'Swirl'Purple Loosestrife
- Lythrum virgatumwand loosestrife
- Lythrum virgatum 'Dropmore Purple'Wand Loosestrife