Description of Lysimachia punctata (Dotted Loosestrife)

Lysimachia punctata is dotted loosestrife, a tough perennial with yellow flowers along upright stems. It is not a true marginal, but it likes moisture and can work well on the upper edge of a bog garden where soil stays damp.

Appearance

It forms clumps of upright stems with lance-shaped leaves. Yellow flowers appear in the leaf joints along the stems in early to mid summer. Height is often 60 to 90cm. It can spread by rhizomes and form a wider patch.

Care Guide

It is easy to grow. The main job is stopping it from pushing into slower neighbours.

• Sun: Sun to part shade.
• Soil: Moist, fertile soil. It also copes in average soil if not dry.
• Water: Keep damp for the best growth.
• Control: Lift and thin edges if it spreads too far.
• Cut back: Cut stems down after flowering or in late winter.

If you want a tidier look, deadhead stems and trim back the clump after flowering.

Suitability for Bog Garden

This suits bog gardens as a summer yellow plant for the upper edge and nearby damp borders. It pairs well with sedges and meadow-style planting.

Keep it out of the saturated centre, where it can get floppy, and away from tiny ground covers it might smother.

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