About
A tough herbaceous perennial with upright stems to 1.2m tall, clad in narrow, willowy green leaves, and small vivid rosy-purple flowers 2cm wide in dense terminal spikes over a long period in summer.
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, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
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 damage by slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free