Lythrum salicaria, commonly known as Purple Loosestrife, is a striking, upright perennial valued for its tall spires of vivid magenta-purple flowers that bloom from mid to late summer. A natural choice for waterside planting, it thrives in damp soils and adds strong vertical interest to borders, wildlife gardens and pond margins.
Forming clumps of lance-shaped green foliage, Purple Loosestrife produces dense flower spikes that are highly attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Its long flowering season and architectural habit make it particularly effective when planted in groups, where it creates bold swathes of colour.
Reliable and hardy throughout the UK, Lythrum salicaria performs best in full sun and moisture-retentive soil, though it will tolerate heavier clay conditions. Ideal for naturalistic schemes, it combines well with other moisture-loving perennials and grasses.
Key Features:
- Tall spikes of rich purple-pink flowers
- Excellent for pond edges and damp borders
- Highly attractive to pollinators
- Long flowering period in summer
- Fully hardy in the UK
A robust and dependable perennial, Purple Loosestrife brings vibrant colour and valuable wildlife interest to any garden with moist soil conditions.
Lythrum Salicaria (Purple Loosestrife)
Plant Factfile
Height
120-150cm Spread 45-60cm Soil Moist to wet humus-rich soil, tolerates clay and heavy soils, suitable for pond margins Flowers Dense spikes of bright purple-pink flowers from July to September Position Full sun (will tolerate light partial shade, though flowering is best in sun) Hardiness H7 – Hardy in the severest European continental climates (fully hardy throughout the UK) What you’re buying
Plant images are used for illustrative purposes only, so you know what your plant will look like once fully grown.
You’re purchasing your chosen size of plug plant (by selecting “Plant Size” option above).
Mini Plugs: Each plug is approximately 15mm sq, containing tender young seedlings in need of pricking out and potting on to grow before being planted out.
Midi Plugs: Each plug is approximately 20mm sq, plants are a little more mature than the mini's, can sometimes be planted out if the weather is good and the last frost has passed.
Maxi Plugs: Each plug is approximately 30mm sq, plants are more mature, sometimes over a year old, which can mean well developed root systems and/or fewer leaves due to winter dormancy or cutting back. Generally hardened off and garden ready, though for best results good weather is preferred for planting out.
Full information about plant sizes, including pictures, can be found here.
Delivery & Dispatch
Delivery Costs
- £3 flat rate delivery on all orders under £50
- Free delivery on orders over £50
When Orders Are Posted
Orders are normally posted on the Tuesday following your order. This helps us work efficiently and also reduces unnecessary trips and emissions. In most cases, after Tuesday posting your plants should arrive before the weekend.
Packaging & Plant Care During Transit
Our plugs are gently squeezed and carefully packed into breathable, unsealed plastic bags. The plants are then packed into recycled cardboard packaging wherever possible.