Purple Loosestrife
This is a very attractive free flowering species and Lythrum salicaria grows well in the margins of ponds and wetland areas.
The purple flowers appear on upright stems from the end of winter right through summer.
Besides the flowers it does attract bees and Butterflies to the garden.
Care
Grown in shallow water this is a very easy care plant.
Prune it back to the base after flowering finished in late summer to winter.
You can grow Purple Loosestrife in drier conditions however flowering is usually do as good.
One problem is the ability of this plant too self seed, it is best not grown near waterways, agricultural land or forested areas as it can become a weed.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Lythrum salicaria
- Common Name – Purple Loosestrife
- Family – Lythraceae
- Position – Full sun to dappled shade.
- Soil – Damp and humus rich, best in pond margins.
- Height – Flower stems to around 1 m
- Spread – Will form a clump over time top around 1m or more.
- Foliage – Mid green on tall stems.
- Flowers – Purple to magenta.
- Drought tolerant – No
- Frost tolerant – No