Lysimachia

These hardy and tender perennials and annuals are found throughout the temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. A few grow wild in Australia, South Africa and South America. Few of the Loosestrifes have value in the garden. L. clethroides (Gooseneck Loosestrife) is a vigorous growing perennial from Japan that forms clumps of lance-shaped, mid-green leaves that are yellowish when young. The tiny, star-shaped, white flowers are borne in compact, slender spikes that are nodding when in bud, but straighten up when in full bloom. This plant grows up to 3 feet high with a spread of 2 or 3 feet. L. punctata (Garden Loosestrife) is an erect-growing perennial, up to 3 feet high, from southeastern and central Europe to Turkey. The lance- to elliptic-shaped, mid-green leaves grow in whorls of 3 or 4. The small, bright yellow flowers are borne in the axils of the leaves at the ends of vertical stems, over long periods in the summer. L. Nummularia (Creeping Charlie, Creeping Jennie and Moneywort) is a trailing plant with large, yellow flowers borne on short stems from the axils of the round leaves. Its variety aurea has greenish-yellow leaves. These plants are great for planting on the edges of the water garden. L. pseudo-Henryi is also a creeping plant and is from Asia. It has fleshy leaves and large, golden yellow flowers with darker centers. It is suitable for the rock garden.

Pot Cultivation

Plant Loosestrife in moist, fertile soil that has adequate drainage. They should be planted in a partially shaded location. L. punctata may be invasive because it spreads by rhizomes. If necessary, control spread by digging out excessive growth from the edges of the clumps. Creeping Jennie, L. Nummularia, can be grown in one-gallon containers and placed in 1 to 6 inches of water, in a partially shaded location.

Propagation

Seeds may be sown or they may be divided in the spring or fall. Stem cuttings may be taken in the spring or early summer and inserted in sand in a cold frame.