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Herbaceous Perennial
Lythrum salicaria
purple loosestrife
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
Other common names
black bloodlong purples
see morepurple grass
rainbow weed
red Sally
rose loosestrife
rosy strip
sage willow
soldiers
spiked loosestrife
willow weed
Synonyms
Lythrum salicaria var. gracileSize
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Pink | Green | ||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Lythraceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Lythrum can be annuals or herbaceous perennials, with simple leaves in opposite pairs and small star-shaped flowers in leafy racemes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Old World
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any reliably moist soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead after flowering to prevent self-seeding
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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