Consulta Plantas

Care of the aquatic plant Lythrum salicaria or Purple loosestrife

The genus Lythrum, family Lythraceae, includes some 40 species of herbaceous plants native to temperate regions on all continents. Some species are: Lythrum salicaria, Lythrum portula, Lythrum alatum, Lythrum hyssopifolia, Lythrum californicum.

Common names: Purple loosestrife, Spiked loosestrife, Purple Lythrum, Black blood, Long purples, Purple grass, Rainbow weed, Red Sally, Willow weed, Rose loosestrife, Rosy strip, Sage willow, Soldiers. This species is native to humid regions of Eurasia.

They are semi-aquatic perennial herbaceous plants with erect reddish stems that reach 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) in height. The leaves are lanceolate, up to 10 cm (3.93") long and green in color; in autumn they turn red and in winter the aerial part of the plant turns brown. The decorative purple or purple-pink flowers appear on erect spikes. They bloom in summer

Purple loosestrife is used next to ponds, lakes and waterways, in borders and flowerbeds and in pots for patios and terraces. It's a plant that tends to be invasive and its sale is prohibited in some countries.

Lythrum salicaria needs full sun exposure and a warm-temperate climate. It resists light frosts.

The soil must be loamy and not well drained to retain moisture.

Water frequently so that the substrate always remains damp, even if it is waterlogged. Spiked loosestrife does not resist drought.

Long purples does not need fertilizers.

Prune wilted inflorescences to prevent fruit bearing and self-propagation (remember they are invasive).

Lythrum salicaria is a resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases but can be attacked by snails and slugs.

Rainbow weed is propagated by division of the plant in spring. It tends to self-propagate from seeds.

Images of the aquatic plant Lythrum salicaria or Purple loosestrife