aquatic plants

purple loosestrife

purple loosestrife is a hardy filter plant that filters waste products from the pond preventing algae formation.

Note: To be ordered as a pre-order! Delivery April 2025.

purple loosestrife - Lythrum Salicaria - 4 pieces

- Biodiversity-promoting aquatic plant
- Full-grown height: 80 cm
- Placement: -1 to -10 cm

 19,95

In stock

Frequently Asked Questions

Pond Advice

The purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is a native riparian plant that plays an important role in enhancing biodiversity. Its nectar- and pollen-rich flowers attract a wide range of beneficial insects, such as bees, bumblebees, butterflies and dragonflies. As a result, you encourage the presence of pollinators, which benefits the entire garden. In addition, dense vegetation provides hiding and nesting places for small aquatic animals, such as frogs and salamanders.

The purple loosestrife grows to an average height of 80 cm. The plant grows upright with sturdy stems, from which the characteristic long, purple-pink flowering spikes develop. Flowering occurs from June to September, allowing you to enjoy a colorful accent along the pond edge for a long time. Because of its height, purple loosestrife is perfect for creating height differences in the pond garden.

The purple loosestrife grows best in shallow water or on the bank. The ideal planting depth is between -1 cm and -10 cm below water level. This means the roots are in the moist substrate, while the stems extend above water. The plant also thrives in moist soil along the pond edge. Make sure the soil is rich in nutrients and contains enough oxygen.

No, the purple loosestrife is a low-maintenance plant. The only maintenance required is pruning the withered stems in the fall or early spring. Cut the stems back to just above the waterline. This allows the plant to sprout fresh in the new growing season. The old stems do provide shelter for insects in winter, so it may be wise not to remove them until spring.

Yes, the purple loosestrife can indirectly help control duckweed and algae. The plant absorbs nutrients from the water that would otherwise be available to duckweed and algae. This "nutrient competition" reduces the likelihood of excessive growth of duckweed and algae. In addition, the dense growth of purple loosestrife casts shadows on the water surface, reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the water. This helps reduce the growth of duckweed and algae.

purple loosestrife: Lythrum salicaria

purple loosestrife, Lythrum Salicaria, aquatic plant that is planted on the pond bank and blooms with pink or purple showy flowers.

What is purple loosestrife good for?

purple loosestrife is a valuable plant for pond owners. Not only does it help improve water quality by removing excess nutrients from the water, but it also serves as a natural water purifier. In addition, caring for purple loosestrife is fairly simple, although it is crucial to prune the plant regularly. This keeps it from becoming too dominant and helps control its size and spread. Thus, adding purple loosestrife to a pond can provide both aesthetic and functional benefits.

Is purple loosestrife hardy?

purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is hardy. The plant can survive cold conditions well and often comes back vigorously after winter. During the winter months, the above-ground parts of the plant die, but in spring the purple loosestrife sprouts again from the roots. It is a strong and robust plant well adapted to different climatic conditions.

Is purple loosestrife edible?

It is better not to eat purple loosestrife , as this plant can be poisonous in some cases. Looking for an edible pond plant? Then consider water mint. Not only does this plant filter your pond, keeping the water naturally clear and healthy, but the plant also has a pleasant fragrance and you can use it in cooking.

 

How long does purple loosestrife bloom ?

purple loosestrife is a striking plant that provides color along waterfronts and in wetlands during the summer months. The flowering period typically extends from June through August. During this time, the plant displays its distinctive pink to purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies. However, the exact flowering period can vary depending on location and specific growing conditions. When purple loosestrife is in bloom it looks like pickerel weed (Swamp hyacinth), this filtering marsh plant, like purple loosestrife, comes in many different colors.

What to do with spent purple loosestrife?

When the purple loosestrife has finished flowering, it is advisable to prune back the spent flower stems. This not only promotes any subsequent flowering, but also keeps the plant tidy and prevents unwanted seed dispersal. By removing the spent parts, the plant can better focus its energy on growing new leaves and possibly new flowers. In addition, regular pruning of the purple loosestrife helps keep the plant in check and prevents overgrowth of other plants in the area. Finally, this care contributes to a healthy and good-looking pond or waterfront.

Can purple loosestrife be shaded?

purple loosestrife can grow in shade, but it prefers sites with full sun to partial shade. In sunny locations, purple loosestrife will generally bloom more profusely and display richer flower color. In deeper shade, the plant may grow somewhat less compact and possibly produce fewer flowers. If you want to plant purple loosestrife in a shadier area, make sure it still receives several hours of sunlight a day for best results.

Is purple loosestrife a perennial?

The purple loosestrife is a perennial that is popular in many Dutch and Flemish gardens. With its long, ascending flower spikes in shades from pink to purple, this plant attracts eyeballs as well as butterflies and bees during the summer months. The purple loosestrife thrives in moist environments, including water sides and moist soils, and keeps coming back year after year, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking for colorful and attractive perennials.

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