Overview
Lythrum virgatum 'Rose Queen' is a perennial in the genus Lythrum, part of the Lythraceae family. Lythrum virgatum 'Rose Queen' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, water gardens and cut flowers. It is native to Eurasian steppes.
About
Lythrum virgatum 'Rose Queen' is a perennial in the Lythraceae grown for summer flowering and use in borders, water gardens and as a cut flower. It favours full sun or partial shade and soils that remain moist yet well-drained, across acidic to alkaline pH. Rated H5 (hardy), it suits many parts of the UK and flowers from July to September.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lythrum virgatum
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 virgatum 'Rose Queen' is a perennial loosestrife originating from the Eurasian steppes. As a cultivar selected for garden use, it is commonly planted for its summer display and for cutting. Give it a sunny or partly shaded spot with a reliably moist, well-drained soil; the plant tolerates acidic, neutral and alkaline conditions. Its moisture preference makes it well suited to the edge of water features or damp border soils where drainage remains adequate to avoid waterlogging. Rated H5 — classed as hardy in the UK — Lythrum virgatum 'Rose Queen' will tolerate typical winter conditions in many gardens. Use it in mixed herbaceous borders, by ponds and in areas where mid- to late-summer colour is required, and include it in planting schemes where stems can be cut for arrangements. It reliably flowers from July to September, providing a sustained summer-to-early-autumn display.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lythrum
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Lythrum virgatum 'Rose Queen' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, water gardens, cut flowers
- Native to
- Eurasian steppes
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lythrum virgatum 'Rose Queen'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, fertile soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates wet conditions.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Lythrum virgatum 'Rose Queen'?
Prefers moist, fertile soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates wet conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Lythrum virgatum 'Rose Queen'?
Lythrum virgatum 'Rose Queen' prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Lythrum virgatum 'Rose Queen' need?
Lythrum virgatum 'Rose Queen' grows best in moist and well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Lythrum virgatum 'Rose Queen'?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Is Lythrum virgatum 'Rose Queen' hardy in the UK?
Lythrum virgatum 'Rose Queen' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Lythrum virgatum 'Rose Queen'?
Seed, division.
