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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
llys y milwr
Synonyms
Lythrum salicaria var. gracile
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
±Ê´Ç´Ç°ù±ô²â–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»åpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or ·¡²¹²õ³Ù–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Lythraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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
Lythrum salicaria
purple loosestrife
at the RHS plant Shop
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