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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.

	Site and Plant Characteristics
	Growing Information

Site Characteristics

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

Infrequent

Rust
Leaf spot