Fringed loosestrife
Lysimachia ciliata · Primulaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant fringed loosestrife: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to August
- Adult size
- 24 to 36 inches tall
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-20°C and below)
- Origin
- North America
- Soil type
- Moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter
Care
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during growth and flowering periods. In dry spells, water regularly without allowing water to stagnate. This plant appreciates cool, fresh soil and can even tolerate periodically wet areas.
Light exposure
Place it in partial shade to light shade for optimal growth. It tolerates direct sun in cool, humid climates, but prefers protection from intense afternoon summer heat.
Pruning and cutting
Cut back stems after flowering or in late autumn to encourage a compact, dense shape. You can pinch young shoots in spring to encourage branching.
Fertilizer
Apply compost or organic fertilizer in spring when growth resumes. In fertile soil, a light monthly application during the flowering period is sufficient.
Soil and planting
Plant in soil rich in humus, moist and well-structured. Improve the soil at planting time with compost. This species thrives particularly near water features or along the edges of moist borders.
Diseases and pests
Relatively robust, it can suffer from powdery mildew due to excessive stagnant moisture. Ensure good air circulation. In soil that is too dry, spider mites may occasionally appear.
Did you know?
Ciliate loosestrife fascinates botanists with its tiny hairs on the petioles (leaf stems), from which its name 'ciliata' derives. Historically, plants of the Lysimachia genus were believed to be calming in traditional Native American herbal medicine, though no reliable modern use is documented.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Dotted loosestrifeLysimachia punctata
- African BoxwoodMyrsine africana
- Eastern sowbreadCyclamen coum
- SowbreadCyclamen hederifolium
- Yellow loosestrifeLysimachia vulgaris
- CowslipPrimula veris
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.