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Lythrum salicaria

Lythrum salicaria

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Purple loosestrifeBog, Marginal, Perennial, Pond, DeciduousFamily: Lythraceae

Height: 2mSpread: 60cm
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

Purple

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Full sun

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Middle

Soil

Prefers rich soil:

Boggy / Clay / Heavy / Moist

Purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria, is a tall-growing wildflower that grows naturally on banks of streams and around ponds. It has strong, upright stems, topped in summer with long, poker-like heads of bright purple-red flowers. Its flowers are extremely attractive to bees and butterflies.

For best results grow Lythrum salicaria in moist soil, such as around the edge of a pond. Plants shouldn't need staking but deadhead spent blooms regularly to maintain a tidy appearance, and divide clumps every three to five years to avoid congestion. Lythrum salicaria works well grown alongside other moisture-loving plants such as inula.

Read our full guide to growing purple loosestrife.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecSowyes**yesPlantyes**yesFlowersyesyesyesDivideyesyesyes

Lythrum ‘Salicaria’ and wildlife

Lythrum ‘Salicaria’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Lythrum ‘Salicaria’ poisonous?

Lythrum ‘Salicaria’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People