Lythrum plants
Commonly known as Purple loosestrife, Lythrum is a beautiful, tall wildflower that grows naturally in the UK around ponds and on the banks of streams. It has a stately growth habit with upright stems reaching up to 1.5 metres tall, topped with vibrant, deep pink, purple or magenta flower heads throughout the summer. These nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to wildlife such as bees, butterflies, moths and ladybirds and well suited to informal, cottage garden style schemes. They are herbaceous with simple, lance-shaped, willow-like leaves in opposite pairs and will die back below ground over the winter before bursting into life again in the spring. Lythrum prefer moist soils, making them well suited as marginal plants around ponds, bog gardens or flower beds and borders for gardens on clay soils. Deadhead blooms regularly to encourage repeat flowering and maintain a neat, tidy appearance. Lift and divide congested clumps every 3-5 years as required.