Lysimachia clethroides
Chinese loosestrife
Curving flower spikes packed with tiny white blooms give this striking perennial a soft, flowing look from mid to late summer. Often known as gooseneck loosestrife thanks to its gently bent flowerheads, it brings strong vertical structure to borders while still feeling relaxed and natural. The fresh green foliage forms dense clumps through the growing season before taking on warmer reddish tones in autumn.
Lysimachia clethroides is particularly effective towards the back of a sunny or lightly shaded border, where its arching flowers can weave through surrounding planting and soften more upright shapes. It also suits pond edges and reliably moist ground, thriving in soils that stay damp through summer. Vigorous by nature, it spreads steadily to form generous drifts, so it’s best planted where it has room to develop or where growth can be managed easily.
Lysimachia clethroides is particularly effective towards the back of a sunny or lightly shaded border, where its arching flowers can weave through surrounding planting and soften more upright shapes. It also suits pond edges and reliably moist ground, thriving in soils that stay damp through summer. Vigorous by nature, it spreads steadily to form generous drifts, so it’s best planted where it has room to develop or where growth can be managed easily.
How to care for Lysimachia clethroides:
Plant perennial loosestrife in moisture-retentive soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded position and keep the soil consistently damp, as these plants dislike drying out. In spring, apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base to feed the plant and help retain moisture.
Lift and divide congested clumps every few years in early spring or autumn to rejuvenate growth and maintain vigour. These hardy perennials provide long-lasting colour in damp borders or by ponds, where they thrive with lower maintenance requirements once established.
Lift and divide congested clumps every few years in early spring or autumn to rejuvenate growth and maintain vigour. These hardy perennials provide long-lasting colour in damp borders or by ponds, where they thrive with lower maintenance requirements once established.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.9m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
