Lythrum salicaria The Beacon

Lythrum salicaria 'The Beacon', also known as common loosestrife, is a superb perennial that thrives in moist or marshy soil, forming tall upright clumps that are more compact than those of the species. It produces an abundant flowering in long spikes of particularly dense brilliant red-pink flowers throughout summer. Its lanceolate green foliage turns beautiful shades of red in autumn. Hardy, sturdy, and prolific, it thrives in full sun or partial shade, along wet banks, and sometimes even ventures into the water, keeping its rootstock partially submerged.

The common loosestrife is native to Europe, North Africa, and Northern Asia. It always grows in wet or even waterlogged soil, often spreading in shallow water along the edges of water bodies. This herbaceous perennial of the Lythraceae family has given rise to some horticultural forms, including 'The Beacon', which is shorter, with denser and particularly colourful spikes.

'The Beacon' is anchored by a compact and powerful rootstock with nodose rhizomes. It produces hairy, erect, woody, and leafy stems, with a reddish-brown colour, forming a clump that is at least 100cm (39in) tall and 50cm (20in) wide. From June-July to August, magnificent inflorescences appear in the form of long, thick spikes densely filled with small brilliant red-pink flowers that bloom from the base to the top. The deciduous leaves are narrow and elongated, somewhat like those of a willow. They are a beautiful bright green in summer and take on sumptuous red hues towards the end of the season.

Lythrum salicaria 'The Beacon' is an easy-to-grow perennial, ideal for embellishing the edges of water bodies or marshy areas. Its generous summer flowering brightens up its planting patch. It pairs well with a multitude of plants and creates beautiful autumn compositions. Plant it alongside eupatoriums, lysimachias, Filipendula rubra 'Venusta', and Euphorbia palustris, for example. In a wilder style, this imposing perennial looks wonderful in the back of a bed with tall grasses, such as miscanthus, panicum, and stipa. It can be grown in both flower beds and waterlogged containers. Its vertical silhouette creates a beautiful contrast with the majestic fountain-like habit of royal ferns. However, it can sometimes become invasive if the conditions are right, self-seeding spontaneously in fertile, well-drained, and moist soil.

Common loosestrife was once consumed as a medicinal and edible plant during times of scarcity. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, while the stem and pulp can be consumed after cooking. The flowers provide a red dye for confectionery.

Tips:

Prune the faded flowers in early autumn to limit its spread.