Loosestrife

The loosestrife plant (Lysimachia) is a member of the Primroses family. There are over a hundred species in the genus, which can be annual, biennial or perennial. Most of the plants live in East Asian countries and the North American continent. In China alone, you can find at least 70 species of this flower.

The name of the loosestrife is associated with the shape of its foliage, which resembles a willow. Its scientific designation - lysimachia - is associated with Lysimachus, the commander of Alexander the Great. For many years it was assumed that he was the first to discover this flower.

Description of loosestrife

Verbeyniki are herbaceous plants with straight, less often creeping shoots. Their foliage can be located opposite or whorled. The flowers make up an inflorescence-scutellum or panicle, less often - they are located singly in the axils. Their coloration includes tones of yellow, pale pink and white. After flowering, an oval or spherical box with seeds is formed.

Verbeinik is related to primroses and cyclamen. Outwardly, his bushes may seem quite simple and unpretentious. Its growing popularity in horticulture is due to the high unpretentiousness of this plant, as well as its ability to bloom profusely and for a long time. The verbeynik is able to feel well in areas of the site where most garden plants are unable to express themselves - in shady and damp places. Bright inflorescences of bushes can be used not only to decorate the garden, but also for cutting.

Brief rules for growing loosestrife

The table shows brief rules for growing loosestrife in the open field.

Planting loosestrife in open ground

The best time to plant

Loafers can be grown from seed or using vegetative methods. Sowing seeds of loosestrife is carried out directly into the open ground. It is carried out in early summer or in autumn - in September.

Most species of this flower prefer shady corners of the garden. The only exceptions are a few varieties of a flower. So the monotonous loosestrife will develop best in partial shade, but it is able to grow in the sun. The purple appearance suggests growing only in open, sunny places.

Landing rules

For loosestrife, moist and loose soils that contain a sufficient amount of nutrients are suitable. Unlike many plants, this flower prefers when groundwater is close to the surface of the earth. Cartilaginous, monetaceous and common loosestrife are capable of growing even in shallow water bodies. Their bushes can be planted to a depth of 10 cm.

These plants are undemanding to the composition of the soil, but grow worst of all on clay soil. In this case, the layer of earth for planting may be very small. The loosestrife root system does not go deep and extends only to the upper 15 cm of the soil, expanding to the sides. For the same reason, the plantings will not need loosening. But, despite the moisture-loving plants, a drainage layer of small pebbles under the soil layer will not be superfluous.

Before planting, it is recommended to add compost or rotted manure to the soil. The disembarkation is carried out according to the general rules. Plants are placed in holes, sprinkled with earth and lightly tamped. The distance between the bushes should be about half a meter.

Lostweed care in the garden

Verbeynik is considered a fairly simple plant to grow; even novice growers can take care of it. If the bushes grow in moist soil, they will not need watering. It is necessary to water the plantings only during periods of prolonged drought. Plants do not need summer feeding. But some gardeners recommend feeding plants planted under trees and in other places where the soil is depleted at a faster rate during this period. Fertilizers are applied from May to mid-summer, no more than 1-2 times a month. In the fall, it should be brought to the beds with humus flowers.

The verbeinik is one of the plants that are rapidly taking over the surrounding space. The brush, speckled and ciliated types of flowers are considered especially weedy. To avoid its uncontrolled growth, you should limit the bushes in space. To do this, they dig in any improvised root growth restrictors around them - pieces of slate, plastic or metal. Without such a measure, the flower will be able to capture the entire territory adjacent to the flower bed.

Bloom

The most common color of loosestrife flowers is yellow, although there are plants with white or pink flowers. At the same time, numerous types of loosestrife differ not only in external characteristics, but also in the timing of flowering. Their inflorescences also vary in shape and degree of decorativeness.

Pruning

After flowering, it is necessary to remove the wilted inflorescences. Timely removal of peduncles will prevent possible self-seeding. Erect flower species in the fall need to be pruned.

Transfer

For healthy growth, loosestrife bushes must be periodically moved to a new location. In one corner, flowers can grow for about 10 years. The need for more frequent transplants is associated with the active growth of the bushes. For several years of development, they form a fairly large number of children. Such bushes need a transplant, it is carried out in early summer or autumn - there should no longer be fresh leaves on the plants during this period.

Verbeynik after flowering

After flowering, all wilted inflorescences should be cut off from the loosestrife. In the fall, upright plant species will need to be pruned. Only 2-3 cm are left from their height. Creeping species are not pruned. After that, the plantings are fertilized by introducing humus or compost under them.All varieties of this flower, with the exception of varieties with an unusual color of foliage, are considered very hardy, so they will not need shelter.

Loosestrife breeding methods

Lostweed can reproduce in several ways. These include seed, cuttings, division of large bushes and separation of root growth. Vegetative methods are considered more reliable, and also allow you to immediately get a full-fledged plant that can bloom for the next season. Seedlings begin to form buds only for 2-3 years of life.

For seed reproduction, the seed must first be stratified by keeping it in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator for about 1.5-2 months. In this case, sowing begins in May-June. If the seeds are sown before winter, they do not need to be stratified.

Sometimes the seeds are pre-sown for seedlings. To do this, they are also kept in the refrigerator. Then, in February-March, the seeds are superficially sown into a wet mixture of peat and garden soil with sand. The container with crops is covered with glass, and then placed in a bright and cool (about 15-17 degrees) place. Seedlings appear within a couple of weeks. After the seedlings get stronger, they are dived into separate pots. Seedlings should be hardened before moving to the garden. It is planted in June, keeping the total distance between the bushes - up to half a meter.

You can propagate the loosestrife by dividing the bush in the spring or (more often) in the fall. Usually this procedure is combined with a transplant. The bush is dug out of the ground, the children are separated from it, and then the main plant itself is divided into several parts. All cuttings should have healthy and developed roots and stems. The resulting plants are planted in pre-prepared holes. In this case, the cuttings will be able to bloom next summer. Caring for them will not differ from caring for a regular bush.

Coin loosestrife reproduces well by cuttings. The length of the cuttings can be 10-20 cm. They are cut in spring or autumn, combined with the planned pruning of the plant. The resulting cuttings are placed in water. After the formation of the roots, they are transplanted into loose soil, choosing a slightly shaded corner for planting. Already rooted side shoots of a rather large size can be separated from the bush.

Pests and diseases

Verbeynik is resistant to diseases and pests. Problems for the plant are most often caused only by aphids, but you can get rid of it with the help of appropriate drugs. Sometimes weevils can appear on the loosestrife, devouring its foliage. Pests become active closer to night, so they are collected by hand after sunset. Planting leaves can also spoil snails, but even their frequent presence does not weaken the plants too much.

Types and varieties of loosestrife with photos and names

The most common types of loosestrife in horticulture include the following:

Common loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris)

The species lives in the north of Africa, as well as in Eurasia. Lysimachia vulgaris prefers swampy soils, the shores of water bodies, and is found in forests and meadows. Its straight shoots reach a meter in size, and the rhizome is considered creeping. Lanceolate foliage can be opposite or collected in whorls. There is pubescence on the seamy side of the leaves, while their outer surface is smooth. Panicle-shaped inflorescences are formed at the tops of the stems. The flowers are bell-shaped and have a bright yellow color. There is an orange-brown speck at the base of the petals. This type of loosestrife is considered melliferous. Its flowering lasts literally all summer.

Such plants tolerate stagnant moisture well in the soil and can be grown in reservoirs at a shallow depth (up to 10 cm).

Oak Loam (Lysimachia nemorum)

European look. Lysimachia nemorum is found in coastal areas. Its bushes are quite miniature - up to 30 cm in height. The foliage is wide and large. Flowers are arranged singly and have long pedicels. The buds bloom in May, flowering lasts about 2 months.

Lysimachia thyrsiflora (Lysimachia thyrsiflora), or kizlyak

The species lives on the banks of various reservoirs or directly in shallow waters. Lysimachia thyrsiflora has creeping roots and strong, straight shoots. Their height reaches 60 cm. Narrow sessile foliage is located on the stems. Small yellow flowers have large stamens, which is why they begin to seem fluffy from a distance. Flowers form inflorescences up to 3 cm long. They are located in the sinuses. The flowering of such a loosestrife begins in late spring.

Loose leaf (Lysimachia punctata)

The species lives in European forests. Lysimachia punctata has a long root, at its end there is a whorl of several (4-6) underground stems. Straight stems are slightly pubescent, their height reaches 80 cm. Numerous broad-lanceolate leaves have a sedentary arrangement. Lemon flowers bloom at the tops of the stems. The flowering of such a loosestrife lasts about a month, starting at the end of June or a little later. Unlike other species, these shrubs should be planted in sunny or semi-shady places. Main varieties:

• Alexander - with a white border around the edge of green foliage.
• Golden Alexander - with a golden border along the edge of the sheet plates.

Crowded-flowered loosestrife (Lysimachia congestiflora)

Chinese look. Lysimachia congestiflora forms many bright yellow flowers with a red-orange spot in the center. The foliage is colored juicy green. Famous varieties include:

• Outback Sunset - variegated form, rich green foliage decorated with a yellow stripe. The flowers are also yellow.
• Lissy - forms spherical yellow inflorescences.
• Persian rug - the foliage is of medium size and supplemented with reddish veins.
• Persian chocolate - foliage has an unusual purple hue, and does not fall off in autumn.

Lily of the valley (Lysimachia clethroides)

Or cage-shaped loosestrife. The species lives in China and in the south of Primorsky Krai in the mountains or in dry meadows. The rhizome of Lysimachia clethroides has a white-pink color and resembles the roots of a lily of the valley, exceeding them in thickness. The growth of such bushes is not so large. Stems are straight, pubescent, not too tall. The foliage is round, tapering towards the top. The flowers are small, snow-white, star-shaped. They form dense inflorescences-spikelets up to 30 cm long. Flowering occurs at the end of June and lasts up to 3 weeks. Such shrubs prefer sunny or semi-shady places and need fertile and loose soil. The species has been used in culture only since the end of the 20th century. Among its varieties:

• Geisha - variety with variegated foliage: there is a cream border on the edges of the green leaves.
• Lady Jane - forms large bushes up to 90 cm tall. Flowering occurs at the very end of summer.

Loose leaf (Lysimachia nummularia)

Or coin loosestrife, or meadow loosestrife, or meadow tea. This type is also called meadow tea. It lives in different parts of the world - in Japan, European countries, as well as on the North American continent. Lysimachia nummularia lives in shady areas, preferring river banks, floodplain meadows or groves. The plant is considered a ground cover, the length of its stems reaches 30 cm. They rise in height by about 5 cm. The bushes grow well both on level ground and on almost steep slopes, capturing the territory with rooting stems.

The foliage has an oval shape and is opposite. Its size is about 2.5 cm. Single yellow flowers growing from the sinuses have the same diameter. The flowering period of this species depends entirely on the degree of illumination of the area where its bush is planted. On a sunny spot, meadow tea will bloom in late spring. In shady areas - by the middle of summer. The flowering period lasts approximately 3 weeks.

The coin-shaped species is considered drought-resistant, it also tolerates stagnant moisture no less well. The most widespread variety of such loosestrife is "Aurea".It is distinguished by light yellow-green foliage, but the decorative effect of such a flower has a bad effect on its frost resistance, this variety is considered quite warm and light-loving. Another popular variety is Goldilox. In spring, its foliage is colored red-brown, and in summer it turns yellow.

Purple loosestrife (Lysimachia purpurea)

Or ciliated loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata). North American variety. Lysimachia purpurea (ciliata) has straight stems and paired leaves of a rich wine-chocolate color. Loose inflorescences are formed by small lemon flowers that grow from the axils. Against the background of dark foliage, such flowers look very impressive, despite their small size. The flowering of the species occurs in August. Due to the dark foliage, it is recommended to plant such plants in sunny places: in the shade, it will fade. The popular variety "Faircracker" with purple leaf blades.

Black-purple loosestrife (Lysimachia atropurpurea)

Greek look. Lysimachia atropurpurea forms tall stems up to 90 cm in size. Spectacular spikelets include many small flowers of a rich wine shade. The green foliage is distinguished by a silvery shade and a slightly corrugated edge, which is most prominent in young plants. Flowering occurs at the end of July. The most popular variety is "Beaujolais" with a deep purple shade of drooping inflorescences and wavy foliage.

Ephemeral loosestrife (Lysimachia ephemerum)

The species lives in the south-west of Europe. Lysimachia ephemerum is characterized by high frost resistance and rapid expansion in breadth. The height of its bushes reaches 90 cm. At the end of summer, inflorescences in the form of spikelets are formed on the shoots, consisting of light flowers with noticeable stamens. In culture, this type has been used since the 19th century.

Verbeinik in landscape design

Depending on the type and size of the bushes, loosestrife can be placed in various parts of the garden. Due to their ability to grow in waterlogged soil, these flowers can be used to decorate the lowlands of the site or corners near shallow garden ponds. Landings will look no less impressive in flower beds. Yellow flowers of loosestrife go well with lush blue or pink inflorescences of astilbe, bellflower, etc. Species with dark leaves will look favorably in contrast with plants that have silvery, grayish or blue foliage, as well as in combination with brightly blooming species. For compositions with loosestrife, flowers should be selected that also tolerate conditions suitable for the plant well. Or you should look for a place that will suit more sun-loving specimens.

But when planting this flower next to others, it is worth remembering its ability to capture the adjacent territory. The corner where the loosestrife grows should be limited in advance so that its active growth does not interfere with neighboring flowers. To do this, you can pre-plant it in pots or boxes without a bottom.

Due to the creeping stems, the coin-like type of loosestrife can be used as a ground cover or even an ampelous plant. A cascade of its green foliage and yellow flowers that stand out against its background will look favorably in a flowerpot or flowerpot. Sometimes the plant is even used as a lawn grass - it is quite resistant to trampling. Such a loosestrife will look no less impressive in a rock garden or rockery, surrounded by stones.

Loosestrife properties: benefits and harms

The healing properties of loosestrife

Verbeynik contains many useful substances. Along with rutin, saponins, flavonoids and tannins, it includes ascorbic and silicic acid, as well as valuable essential oils. Despite the fact that such a flower is not used as part of conventional medicines, the plant is often used in homeopathy and traditional medicine.

Most often, ordinary loosestrife is chosen for the preparation of raw materials. They start harvesting after the bushes bloom - at the end of June. It is carried out on a dry day. Green stems should be cut at a level not lower than 6 cm from the soil level.

It is believed that loosestrife can help with diarrhea, eczema, thrush, and also contribute to the healing of festering wounds and the healing of internal bleeding. The foliage of the bush, as well as its flowers, are used against abscesses. Fresh foliage of the plant can be applied to the wounds. Looseweed roots can be used for pain relieving powder, which is also used for cuts or burns.

Against internal bleeding, an infusion of loosestrife foliage is used. One Art. a spoonful of dried foliage is added to 1 cup of boiling water. After insisting and straining, the composition is consumed three times a day before meals, 1-2 tbsp. spoon.

Tincture of the plant can help restore energy after a long and difficult illness. A couple of st. tablespoons of fresh herbs are poured with 1 glass of vodka. A closed vessel with a mixture is kept in a dark place for about 3-4 days. After that, filter the tincture, then take 20 drops 3-4 times a day.

Loafers can also be used to brew tea, which can help with headaches and colds. To do this, you will need to mix loosestrife grass with pharmacy chamomile flowers and rosemary foliage (1 tablespoon each). The mixture is poured with boiling water (2 glasses) and insisted for several minutes.

Looseweed juice is also considered healing. To obtain it, the foliage is crushed in a blender, squeezed and filtered. The resulting juice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. To preserve it for a longer period, it should be placed in the freezer. Dried grass can be stored for no more than 2 years. The herb can also be used externally as a poultice for rheumatism, inflammation or bruises.

Interestingly, in the past, the plant was used not only as a medicine, but also as a dye for fabrics or even hair. Different parts of the bush can show green, yellow or dark colors.

Contraindications

It is worth remembering that medicinal formulations made on the basis of loosestrife are not suitable for everyone. Children under 12 years old cannot be treated with loosestrife. The plant should not be used for varicose veins and thrombosis. Contraindications are also considered increased blood clotting, high blood pressure or sclerosis of the vessels of the extremities. You should also not give loosestrife for a dry cough.