Overview
Lythrum salicaria 'Brightness' is a perennial in the genus Lythrum, part of the Lythraceae family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Lythrum salicaria 'Brightness' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7.
About the genus
Lythrum is a genus of 38 species of flowering plants native to the temperate world. Commonly known as loosestrife, they are among 32 genera of the family Lythraceae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Lythrum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lythrum
In the garden
Lythrum salicaria 'Brightness' is a perennial in the Lythraceae that forms upright stems topped with purple flower spikes. It reaches roughly 1.0 m and flowers from July to September, providing a summer vertical accent where soil remains damp. Plant in full sun for the best display; the cultivar tolerates sandy, loamy and clay soils so long as conditions are consistently moist or plainly wet, though it will accept moist, well-drained situations too. Cold tolerance is strong (H7), so plants remain reliable across UK gardens; the USDA range 3–10 confirms a wide climatic tolerance outside the UK as well. Use individual specimens or small groups where a tall, flowering spike is wanted in a border that stays damp — for example at the back of a mixed border or beside a rain garden or damp bed. Avoid very dry, exposed chalky sites. Expect upright purple spikes to appear from July to September on plants that reach about 1.0 m.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lythrum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Lythrum salicaria 'Brightness' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 1.0 m
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lythrum salicaria 'Brightness'?
Lythrum salicaria 'Brightness' prefers full sun.
What soil does Lythrum salicaria 'Brightness' need?
Lythrum salicaria 'Brightness' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How big does Lythrum salicaria 'Brightness' grow?
Lythrum salicaria 'Brightness' reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Lythrum salicaria 'Brightness' hardy in the UK?
Lythrum salicaria 'Brightness' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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- 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 Lythrum genus
- Lythrum salicariapurple loosestrife
- Lythrum salicaria 'Firecandle' ('Feuerkerze')Purple Loosestrife
- Lythrum salicaria 'Morden's Pink'Morden's Pink Loosestrife
- Lythrum salicaria 'Robert'purple loosestrife 'Robert'
- Lythrum salicaria 'Swirl'Purple Loosestrife
- Lythrum virgatum 'Dropmore Purple'Wand Loosestrife
- Lythrum virgatum 'Rose Queen'Purple Loosestrife
- Lythrum virgatum 'The Rocket'wand loosestrife 'The Rocket'