Chickweed-wintergreen
Lysimachia europaea · Primulaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant chickweed-wintergreen: 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
- 15 to 30 cm tall
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-20 °C and below)
- Origin
- Boreal and Arctic regions of Europe
- Soil type
- Moist, acidic to neutral soils, rich in organic matter
Care
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist to damp, especially during the growing season. Avoid complete drying out but also prevent waterlogging. In temperate regions, natural rainfall usually provides sufficient watering.
Light exposure
Prefer partial shade or light shade. This woodland plant enjoys filtered light and tolerates intense sun poorly in warm climates. Plant it near trees or in a partially shaded spot.
Soil preparation
Enrich the soil with compost or peat to maintain acidity and moisture retention. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. A layer of mulch helps retain moisture and soil structure.
Pruning and cleaning
No formal pruning is necessary. Simply remove any dead or damaged parts in spring. The plant spreads naturally and forms a compact clump without intervention.
Fertilizing
A light application of well-decomposed compost in spring is sufficient. Avoid rich chemical fertilizers that encourage growth at the expense of flowering. This plant from natural environments generally does without them.
Diseases and pests
Generally robust and rarely prone to disease. Watch for slugs and snails in moist environments. Proper aeration and good drainage prevent fungal rot. Little treatment is needed under natural conditions.
Did you know?
Arctic Chickweed (Lysimachia europaea) takes its scientific name from its characteristic three leaves at the top (from Greek 'treis' = three and 'mache' = battle or row). It is a glacial relic that survived cold periods in Northern Europe and symbolizes the botanical resilience of boreal environments.
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.