Overview
Lythrum portula is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Lythrum, part of the Lythraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lythrum portula 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
Lythrum portula is a species of flowering plant in the loosestrife family known by the common names water-purslane and spatulaleaf loosestrife. It is native to Europe, and it is found in parts of western North America as an introduced species. It often grows in moist habitat, such as marshes. This is a prostrate annual herb producing a hairless, reddish stem up to 25 centimeters long, which lies along the ground and roots where its nodes come in contact with wet earth. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). Suggested uses include 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.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lythrum portula
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 portula 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 portula
- 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 portula?
Lythrum portula prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Lythrum portula need?
Lythrum portula 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 portula hardy in the UK?
Lythrum portula 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 portula?
Propagate by division or basal cuttings in spring.
More in the Lythrum genus
- Lythrum alatumwinged loosestrife
- Lythrum hyssopifoliagrass poly
- Lythrum salicaria 'Florarose'
- Lythrum salicaria 'Swirl'Purple Loosestrife
- Lythrum virgatumwand loosestrife
- Lythrum virgatum 'Dropmore Purple'Wand Loosestrife