Description
Lysimachia punctata, known as dotted or yellow loosestrife, is an upright perennial with whorls of light green, lance-shaped leaves. From June to August it carries bright yellow, star-shaped flowers about 2.5 cm across in whorls up the stems.
Dotted loosestrife at a glance
| Botanical name |
Lysimachia punctata |
| Common name |
Dotted loosestrife, yellow loosestrife |
| Plant type |
Spreading perennial with short, thick rhizomes; dies back in winter |
| Height and spread |
About 50 cm–1 m tall, 50–100 cm wide and spreading |
| Flowers |
Bright yellow stars about 2.5 cm across, in whorls up the stems, June to August |
| Position |
Full sun or part shade |
| Soil |
Moist clay or loam that does not dry out in summer |
| Pond depth |
None – moist soil at the pond edge, not standing water |
| Hardiness |
RHS H6 – hardy in a very cold winter (-20 to -15°C) |
| Native to |
South-east and east-central Europe and west Asia (not UK native) |
Is dotted loosestrife invasive?
It can be. The RHS calls it a determined spreader in moist soil that can become a nuisance, and the BSBI records it spreading aggressively in the wild in the UK, mainly from dumped garden waste. It is legal to buy and grow in a garden (in Scotland it is an offence to plant it in the wild), but grow it in a large container or basket, keep it away from natural ponds and streams, and never dump unwanted plants or roots in the countryside.
Can it grow in a pond?
Not in the water. The RHS lists moist soil that does not dry out in summer, so plant it beside a pond rather than in it.
Is it a UK native plant?
No, although it is sometimes sold as one. The BSBI classes it as a non-native plant from Europe and west Asia, first recorded growing wild in Britain in 1853.
How to plant and care for it
Plant in moist clay or loam in sun or part shade. Watch for slugs and snails.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
