Loosestrife

Lysimachia ephemerum

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: humus-rich, moist but not waterlogged
• Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
• Flowering period: June and July
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  In early and mid summer, tall spires of starry white flowers float on strong stems above attractive, lance-shaped, grey-green leaves. This lovely, clump-forming perennial is one of the best loosestrifes for the garden and it makes an interesting cut flower too. It flowers best when planted in full sun, but it will tolerate some shade. In its natural habitat it is found in meadows near streams where water is readily available, so make sure the soil does not get too dry, or plant it beside water.
  
  
• Garden care: To maximise water retention incorporate lots of organic matter when planting. Apply a generous 5-7cm mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plants in spring and lift and divide congested colonies.