My garden, alive in my pocket.
Track my garden
🌿

Yellow loosestrife

Lysimachia vulgaris · Primulaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant yellow loosestrife: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
June to August, yellow flowers in spikes
Adult size
60 to 120 cm in height
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Very hardy (−20 °C)
Origin
Europe, Western Asia
Soil type
Moist to cool, tolerant

Care

Watering

Common loosestrife loves moist soils and doesn't fear excess water. Water regularly during dry periods to keep the soil cool, especially in the first seasons. Under optimal conditions (near a pond or wetland), it develops with moderate watering.

Light Exposure

Plant it in full sun or partial shade for generous flowering. It tolerates partial shade well but flowers less abundantly. A sunny exposure of 4 to 6 hours daily is ideal.

Soil and Preparation

Loosestrife prefers moist, loamy or slightly clayey soils. It adapts to various pH levels and tolerates even poor soils. Amend with compost when planting to promote moisture retention.

Pruning and Maintenance

Cut back the stems after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage a second bloom. In late winter, cut dry stems to ground level. This plant can become invasive: divide it every 2 to 3 years.

Fertilizing

A balanced fertilizer application in spring is more than enough. In naturally rich or moist soil, loosestrife hardly needs any. Avoid overfeeding, which would promote excessive foliage at the expense of flowering.

Pests and Diseases

Common loosestrife is generally very robust. Watch for powdery mildew in overly dry conditions, and aphids if grown in containers. Good drainage and good air circulation prevent most problems.

Did you know?

Common loosestrife was once used to chase flies from stables, hence its English nickname 'loosestrife' (a play on 'loose' meaning to release or drive away, and 'strife'). In the Middle Ages, herbalists recommended it against hemorrhages and wounds, although its true properties remain scientifically unconfirmed.

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

Browse all plants →

Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.