Overview
Lythrum virgatum 'The Rocket' is a perennial in the genus Lythrum, part of the Lythraceae family. Lythrum virgatum 'The Rocket' 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 wet areas. It is native to Eurasian steppes.
About
Lythrum virgatum 'The Rocket' is a perennial wand loosestrife selected for its erect summer flower wands. It suits any moist site and tolerates a wide range of soil pH. Plant in full sun or partial shade where soil remains damp but not waterlogged. Expect blooms 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 'The Rocket' is a perennial in the Lythraceae from the Eurasian steppes, cultivated for its upright, wand-like flower spikes. As a selection of wand loosestrife it belongs to a group traditionally used at the edge of water and in moist ground where its vertical habit provides summer structure. Place it in full sun or partial shade on moist, well-drained soils; it tolerates acidic, neutral and alkaline conditions so pH need not be a limiting factor. The UK hardiness rating H5 means it is hardy in typical British gardens and will overwinter in situ in most areas. Keep soil reliably damp rather than bone dry to maintain flowering and vigour. It works well in mixed borders where the lower plants can hide stems, and at pond or stream margins and other wet patches where drainage is variable. Allow space for the upright spikes to show through surrounding planting and reduce competition at the base for best performance. It flowers from July to September.
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 'The Rocket' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, water gardens, wet areas
- Native to
- Eurasian steppes
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lythrum virgatum 'The Rocket'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, fertile soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates wet conditions.
- Pruning
- Cut back old stems in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Lythrum virgatum 'The Rocket'?
Prefers moist, fertile soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates wet conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Lythrum virgatum 'The Rocket'?
Lythrum virgatum 'The Rocket' prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Lythrum virgatum 'The Rocket' need?
Lythrum virgatum 'The Rocket' 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 'The Rocket'?
Cut back old stems in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
Is Lythrum virgatum 'The Rocket' hardy in the UK?
Lythrum virgatum 'The Rocket' 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 'The Rocket'?
Seed, division.
