About
Lythrum salicaria, the purple loosestrife, is a strong, herbaceous perennial with upright stems to 1.2 m clad in narrow, willowy leaves and dense terminal spikes of small, vivid purplish-pink flowers 2 cm wide over a long period in summer. A beautiful native wildflower for a moist border or pond margin.
About the genus
Lythrum, the loosestrifes, are annuals or herbaceous perennials with simple, opposite leaves and small, star-shaped, pink or purple flowers in leafy racemes in summer. Popular ornamental plants for moist borders and pond margins.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Native toOld World
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any reliably moist soil in full sun
PruningDeadhead after flowering to prevent self-seeding
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free