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Herbaceous Perennial

Lythrum salicaria 'The Beacon'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A robust herbaceous perennial with upright stems to 1.2m tall, clad in narrow, willowy green leaves, and small vivid rosy-purple flowers 2cm wide in dense terminal spikes over a long period in summer

Synonyms
Lythrum 'The Beacon'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Lythraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Lythrum can be annuals or herbaceous perennials, with simple leaves in opposite pairs and small star-shaped flowers in leafy racemes

Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any reliably moist soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead after flowering to prevent self-seeding

Pests

May be susceptible to damage by slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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