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Loosestrife, Gooseneck

Herbaceous Perennial Flower

Also known as Shepherd’s crook
Lysimachia clethroides
Primulaceae Family

This moisture-loving perennial can thrive in full sun or part shade as long as the soil doesn't dry out. Its white flowers, borne in 8-inch or longer spikes, are popular with European florists, and make a great cut flower. Plants can spread aggressively given ideal growing conditions.

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Site and Plant Characteristics
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Growing Information
Site Characteristics
Sunlight:
  • full sun
  • part shade

Soil conditions:

  • tolerates damp soil
  • Tolerates poor drainage
Prefers moist but well-drained soil that is high in organic matter.

Hardiness zones:

  • 3 to 8
May be only marginally hardy in Zone 3.
Plant Traits

Lifecycle: perennial

Ease-of-care: easy

Height: 2 to 3 feet

Spread: 1.5 to 2.5 feet

Bloom time:

  • mid-summer
  • late summer

Flower color: white

Foliage color: dark green

Foliage texture: medium

Shape: upright

Shape in flower: flower stalks with upright spikes

Star-like flowers borne along stems that gently curve, resembling a goose’s neck.
Special Considerations
Special characteristics:
  • deer resistant
  • aggressive - Spreads rapidly by runner-like roots and by self-seeding.
  • non-invasive
  • not native to North America - China, Japan
Special uses:
  • cut flowers
  • bog garden
Growing Information
How to plant:

Propagate by seed, division or separation - Divide in spring or fall.

Sow seed outside in containers in spring. Plants readily self-seed.

Maintenance and care:
Deadhead as soon as flowers fade to prevent spreading.

Plants may require staking.

More growing information: How to Grow Perennials

Pests:
Infrequent
Diseases:
Rust
Leaf spot

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