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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.
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Other common names purple loosestrife black blood
long purples purple grass rainbow weed red Sally rose loosestrife rosy strip sage willow soldiers spiked loosestrife willow weed
Synonyms Lythrum salicaria var. gracile
Family Lythraceae
Genus Lythrum can be annuals or herbaceous perennials, with simple leaves in opposite pairs and small star-shaped flowers in leafy racemes
Details L. salicaria is a robust herbaceous perennial with upright stems to 1.2m tall, clad in narrow, willowy leaves, and small vivid purplish-pink flowers 2cm wide in dense terminal spikes over a long period in summer
Plant range Old World
Foliage Deciduous
Habit Bushy
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H7
Full Sun
Aspect South-facing or East-facing
Exposure Exposed or Sheltered
Clay
Loam
MoisturePoorly-drained
SoilClay, Loam
pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Ultimate height 1-1.5 metres
Ultimate spread 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height 2-5 years
Cultivation Grow in any reliably moist soil in full sun
Propagation Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types Flower borders and beds Cottage & Informal Garden Wildlife Gardens Wildflower meadow
Pruning Deadhead after flowering to prevent self-seeding
Pests May be damaged by slugs and snails
Diseases Generally disease free
RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team.
purple loosestrife
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