Care of the aquatic plant Lythrum salicaria or Purple loosestrife |
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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 They are used next to ponds, lakes and waterways, in borders and flowerbeds and in pots for patios and terraces. They are plants that tend to be invasive and their sale is prohibited in some countries. Lythrum salicaria needs full sun exposure and a warm-temperate climate. They resist 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. They do not resist drought. They do not need fertilizers. Prune wilted inflorescences to prevent fruit bearing and self-propagation (remember they are invasive). They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases but can be attacked by snails and slugs. They are propagated by division of the plant in spring. They tend to self-propagate from seeds. |
Images of the aquatic plant Lythrum salicaria or Purple loosestrife |
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