Lythrum salicaria - Purple Loosestrife, Native Pond Marginal Plant
Lythrum salicaria - Purple Loosestrife, Native Pond Marginal Plant
£6.80
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Planting Time
Flowering Time
Lythrum salicaria, known as purple loosestrife, is a tall UK native wild flower of reedbeds, fens, marshes and riverbanks. Through the summer it carries dense spikes of vivid purplish-pink to magenta flowers.
Purple loosestrife at a glance
| Botanical name | Lythrum salicaria |
|---|---|
| Common name | Purple loosestrife |
| Plant type | Upright, clump-forming perennial; dies back in winter |
| Height and spread | About 1–1.5 m tall, up to 50 cm wide |
| Flowers | Vivid purplish-pink to magenta, in dense spikes, June to September |
| Position | Full sun |
| Soil | Reliably moist to wet clay or loam; any pH |
| Pond depth | 0–10 cm of water over the crown |
| Hardiness | RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C) |
| Native to | UK and Ireland (native wild flower) |
Is purple loosestrife good for wildlife?
Yes. It is on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list, and its nectar feeds long-tongued insects such as the brimstone butterfly, red-tailed bumblebee and elephant hawk-moth.
Where to plant it
- The shallow edge of a wildlife pond, 0–10 cm deep
- Bog gardens and wet mud
- A sunny spot
How to plant and care for it
Plant from spring to late summer. Cutting the shoots back in spring reduces its height. Deadhead after flowering to stop self-seeding. Dark speckles on the lower leaves in summer are normal.
Is it invasive?
Not in the UK, where it is native and not restricted, though it self-seeds freely. It is a serious invasive weed in North America, so do not send it abroad. Buy nursery-grown plants rather than collecting them from the wild.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
Pond depth: 0 - 10cm
Light: Full sun
Hardiness: Hardy
Height and spread: 120cm+ tall, 30 - 50cm wide
Planting and flowering months are shown in the calendar under the photos.
Bare root (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants sent without a pot or compost, ready to plant straight away. The most economical way to plant a group.
Potted (9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants growing in our recycled, peat-free compost made in Lincolnshire. Larger sizes give a faster display.
Pack of 3 (7 cm bare-root, 9 cm bare-root, 1 litre bare-root, 3 litre bare-root): three plants of the chosen size at a lower price per plant.
2x Pot & Compost: two plants supplied with pots and compost.
Sizes shown with a line through them are currently unavailable.
At Lincs Plants, we strive to provide fast and reliable shipping to ensure your plants arrive in perfect condition. We offer 1-3 day shipping through a variety of dispatch methods to suit your needs.
Processing Time:
Orders are processed within 1 - 3 business day after payment confirmation. Orders placed on weekends or public holidays will be processed the next business day.
Shipping Methods:
- Standard Shipping (1-3 days)
- Express Shipping (1-2 days)
Should you have any questions or concerns about your shipment, feel free to contact us.
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