Buy Chinese loosestrife Lysimachia clethroides

Lysimachia clethroides

Chinese loosestrife

Tall stems of narrow, mid-green leaves are topped with arching spikes of tiny white flowers in July and August. Chinese loostrife looks striking towards the back of a moist, well-drained border or beside water in sun or partial shade. But be warned, it can be invasive and its spread needs to be reduced each year.

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.

Flowering period:

Eventual height:

0.9m

Eventual spread:

0.6m

Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Average

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.