Sun or shade? wet or dry? What demands does loosestrife actually place on its location? In this article we will tell you.
Which location does loosestrife prefer?
The ideal location for purple loosestrife is a sunny spot near water, as the plant loves moist soil and can tolerate waterlogging. A partially shaded location is tolerated, but is not optimal. Loosestrife can also be cultivated in a balcony pot as long as there is enough sunlight and space.
The purple loosestrife - a little sun worshiper
The purple loosestrife impresses with its purple flowers. However, this only appears in full glory if the plant receives sufficient light. In the shade, however, the plant suffers from stunted growth. A partially shaded location is tolerated, but is not the best choice. Is your garden facing south? Perfect, then you can look forward to a sea of pink flowers from June to September.
Beautiful shore decoration
In the wild, you are most likely to find purple loosestrife near water. The ornamental plant loves moist soil and can even cope with waterlogging. Your plant will thrive in a garden pond. In the garden bed, however, you must keep the substrate permanently moist. Please also note that the soil dries out particularly quickly due to the sunny location.
Tip
A layer of mulch or compost worked into the soil protects the substrate from drying out. We also recommend a drip irrigation system (€35.00 on Amazon) to make the laborious task of watering with a watering can easier.
Can purple loosestrife be cultivated on the balcony?
Yes, that is also possible. As long as the plant gets enough sun on your balcony, it will develop its charm here too. However, sufficient space is also necessary. Due to the possible growth height of up to 2 m, loosestrife requires an appropriately large container.
Note: A change of location in winter is only necessary for specimens that grow near water. Loosestrife can overwinter outside in the garden bed.