Garden Loosestrife

Lysimachiavulgaris

Genus
Lysimachia (ly-si-MAK-ee-uh)
Species
vulgaris (vul-GAIR-iss)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Herbaceous
Height
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Bloom Color
Bright Yellow
Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Herbs
Perennials
Water Requirements
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Very high moisture needs; suitable for bogs and water gardens
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
May be a noxious weed or invasive
Soil pH requirements
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
From herbaceous stem cuttings
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

La Salle, Illinois

Corfu, New York

Cincinnati, Ohio

Norristown, Pennsylvania

Seattle, Washington

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Gardener's Notes:

3
positives
1
neutral
2
negatives
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C
ROSLINDALE, MA | February 2014 | negative

It is illegal to trade, transport, or plant this species in two states, because it has been known to invade natural areas and impoverish ...Read More

L
Ithaca, NY (Zone 5b) | December 2004 | positive

As with 'Gooseneck' loosestrife I have not had the problems with the Garden or 'Yellow' loosestrife being aggressive as others have. It ...Read More

V
V
Corfu, NY | December 2004 | positive

Positive-I found some in an overgrown part of my mother's garden (now mine). I hike regularly and have never seen it as an escapee in We...Read More

K
Seattle, WA | June 2004 | negative

Aggressive wetland invader in the Pacific Northwest, specifically Western Washington. Seems to be out competing Purple Loosestrife. Spr...Read More

J
La Salle, IL | July 2003 | positive

I adore this little guy. I took him from my grandmothers garden, (all of the grandchildren did, the week she was under hospice care). S...Read More

L
Grove City, OH (Zone 6a) | February 2003 | neutral

This species must be well-established before it flowers, sometimes for a few years.

In a few places, Garden Loosestrife ...Read More

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