About

Herbaceous perennial forming a compact clump of erect stems to 1.2m in height, with copious narrow leaves and terminal spikes of vivid rose-red flowers 2cm in width.

About the genus

Lythrum can be annuals or herbaceous perennials, with simple leaves in opposite pairs and small star-shaped flowers in leafy racemes

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, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens

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