Loosestrife

These vigorous growers are beautiful additions to the garden. They vary from tall, stately plants suitable for borders to others that can be planted as creeping groundcovers. Flowers, too, vary from tight spikes of 1/2 inch to 1-inch cups carried alone or in whorls. Humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil is recommended; some varieties enjoy wet soil and ample water. Several sorts may become invasive and need to be corralled.

Note: These are not the invasive purple loosestrife, which has been banned in many parts of the United States.

Light:

Sun,Part Sun

Zones:

4-9

Plant Type:

Perennial

Plant Height:

2 inches to 4 feet tall

Plant Width:

1-2 feet wide or indefinite

Bloom Time:

Blooms spring and summer, depending on variety

Landscape Uses:

Containers,Beds & Borders,Slopes,Groundcover

Special Features:

Flowers,Attractive Foliage,Cut Flowers,Attracts Butterflies,Drought Tolerant,Tolerates Wet Soil,Easy to Grow

Top Varieties

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Circle flower

Lysimachia punctata, or whorled loosestrife, has whorls of 1-inch yellow flowers along the upper part of leafy 3-foot stems. The dark 3-inch leaves, sometimes variegated with white, are also arranged in whorls. In the damp areas that circle flower prefers, it may become invasive. Zones 4-8
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Golden creeping Jenny

Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea' is a fast-growing groundcover for shade or partial shade. It bears round chartreuse foliage and grows 2 inches tall. It can spread indefinitely. Zones 4-8
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Gooseneck loosestrife

Lysimachia clethroides rises to 3 feet tall with stems topped with curved spikes of small white flowers. It is sometimes used as a cut flower. It is very aggressive and can become a nuisance. Zones 4-9
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Purple-leafed loosestrife

Lysimachia ciliata 'Purpurea' emerges in spring with exciting deep purple foliage that holds its color all season. Clusters of bright yellow 1-inch flowers nod atop 2- to 3-foot stems. Beware of aggressive spreading. Zones 5-8
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Garden Plans

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Seaside Problem-Solving Garden Plan
Pondside Garden Plan
Side-Yard Cottage Garden Plan

Plant It With

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Helenium

In the wild garden, bronzy varieties of helenium combine blend well with the purple form of hairy loosestrife.

Calla

In wet places in mild regions, white calla lily is a surprising but effective companion for yellow loosestrife. The flower forms are in dramatic contrast with each other, and they enjoy similar conditions.

Daylily

With similar bloom times, yellow and gold daylilies provide a color echo with yellow loosestrife but with contrasting flower shape.

Veronica

The bright blue, upright spikes of speedwell complement yellow loosestrife in color and form. Well-drained soil in a sunny spot is ideal for both.

Propagation

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Seed
Division
Stem Cuttings