Contents
Spotted loosestrife is a type of flower that is very common not only in many home gardens, but also in the compositions of landscape designers. This plant combines high decorative qualities and unpretentiousness in care.
Description of the dot loosestrife
Spotted loosestrife refers to flowering herbaceous plants. It is ideal for open ground. The plant is a bush, consisting of densely spaced shoots. They are covered with leaves along their entire length and have a slight pubescence. In height, the plant can reach 60-70 cm.
In mid-June, the flowering period begins. At this time, small yellow star-shaped flowers appear in the axils of the leaves. They are located along the entire length of the shoots. After the end of flowering, small seed pods form in place of the flowers.
Varieties of point loosestrife
In landscape design, varieties of this plant are used, which have an unusual leaf color. This feature gives the flower even more decorative effect and increases the scope of its application in flower arrangements. Two varieties of spot loosestrife are known:
- Spotted loosestrife “Variegata Alexander”
A feature of this variety is a thin white border along the edge of the leaves. The variegated foliage combined with the yellow stars of the flowers looks very decorative.
Variegated variety “Variegata Alexander”
- Spotted loosestrife “Golden Alexander”
The border on the leaves of this species of loosestrife has a yellow color. During flowering, the bush looks especially impressive.
The original color of the leaves of the variety “Golden Alexander”
Spotted loosestrife in landscape design
Due to the fact that this flower can fully grow and bloom not only in a sunny place, but also in partial shade, landscape designers often include it in various compositions.
There are several cases for which point loosestrife is perfect:
- If you plant it in the foreground of a rose garden with tall varieties, lush bushes will cover unattractive, bare bottom shoots of roses.
- For zoning space, you can plant this flower in rows. Such a low hedge will look very decorative.
- You can revive a shaded corner of the garden by planting loosestrife along with hostas or ferns.
- This flower will fit perfectly into the composition of a country-style flower garden, contrasting with mallows and bluebells.
- This plant is also used to decorate the shore of an artificial reservoir. It looks great in combination with different types of irises.
Point loosestrife is quite versatile. The only place where it will grow and bloom poorly is a deep shadow.
Loosestrife and hosta are a great option for shady corners
Features of reproduction
Getting new copies of this flower is quite simple. You can propagate it by sowing seeds, dividing the bush or cuttings. Each of them has certain features:
- Division of the bush. Point loosestrife grows quite quickly. It has a shallow root system that actively branches and produces many new shoots. The best method of propagation of this plant is the division of the bush. It is better to carry out this procedure in spring or autumn, before or after flowering.
- Sowing seeds. Growing a new plant from seeds is also not difficult, but it will take longer to bloom. Sowing for seedlings is carried out in early spring, followed by planting seedlings in the ground at the end of May. You can sow seeds before winter, but this is only applicable to regions with a warm climate.
- Cuttings. In late spring and throughout the summer, cuttings can be rooted. They are cut from the tops of the shoots and rooted directly in the open field. As soon as new leaves appear, young seedlings are seated in a permanent place.
Planting and care
Spotted loosestrife is a flowering herbaceous plant for open ground. In order to achieve quick rooting of the loosestrife bush, you should choose the right time, place and land according to all the rules.
Great option – landing by the reservoir
Recommended dates
Landing in the ground can be carried out both in spring and autumn. The main condition for determining the period is the temperature of the soil and the absence of the threat of frost.
Spring planting is recommended in May, and autumn planting from early September to mid-October. It is also possible to plant in the summer if necessary.
Site selection and soil preparation
Despite the indication of many sources that loosestrife grows better in the shade, you should not take this as a rule. It will also thrive in full sun as long as there is enough moisture in the soil. Also, a slightly shaded area or the shore of an artificial reservoir can be a good place.
Point loosestrife is not particularly picky about the soil, but on heavy soil its growth can slow down significantly. If possible, it is better to fill the selected area with mineral and organic fertilizers in the fall, it’s a good idea to add some peat. You can improve the structure of heavy soil by adding some sand and compost.
How to plant a point loosestrife
The process of planting loosestrife is not much different from the usual method of planting flower plants. The procedure is carried out step by step:
- Prepare a recess slightly larger than the size of the root system.
- Fill with nutrient soil to 1/3 of the depth.
- Place the plant in the hole.
- Abundantly watered.
- Cover with remaining soil and water again.
The landing process itself is quite simple. A prerequisite for rapid survival is abundant watering during the rooting period.
Peculiarities of growing
Spotted loosestrife is a very unpretentious plant. But for full growth, he still needs care. It consists of a series of activities typical of all garden flowers.
Watering and fertilizing schedule
This flower does not tolerate drought and needs to be watered regularly. The frequency of irrigation depends on the climate and the frequency of precipitation in the spring-summer period. In the absence of precipitation, it is necessary to moisten the soil at least once every 4-5 days. If it rains regularly, watering is carried out as needed. It is better to use settled or rainwater, preheated in the sun to room temperature.
Bright accent in the composition
If the soil was fertilized before planting, then for the next few years the flower will not lack nutrition. Otherwise, it is recommended to apply a dose of mineral or organic fertilizers (rotted manure or compost) 1-2 times during the summer.
Loosening and mulching the soil
For loosestrife, spot mulching of the soil is a must. It is very picky about soil moisture. In addition, mulching improves the structure of the soil – it becomes looser. As mulch, you can use mowed grass, peat or fallen leaves.
Loosening the soil around the flower is carried out very carefully. The root system of this plant is located close to the soil surface and there is a risk of damaging it. The use of mulching eliminates the need for loosening.
Preparation for winter
It is possible to divide the process of preparing for winter into two stages, which the spotted loosestrife needs:
- Care in the fall consists in pruning the shoots after flowering.
- Frost protection. You can cover with cut shoots or use compost instead. The loosestrife is not afraid of frost, but in cold climates it is advisable to cover it with a layer of leaves or compost.
Pests and diseases
Point loosestrife practically does not get sick and can only sometimes suffer from aphids, especially if roses grow nearby. If the pest population is small, you can get by with folk remedies, for example, spraying with a soapy or ash solution. In case of severe damage, it is better to use chemicals.
Application of a point loosestrife
This unpretentious and decorative flower is used in various flower arrangements. It can also be used as a bright lawn accent. It is able to decorate shady places on the site in a group with other shade-tolerant plants.
Spectacular duet with daylily
Another area of application of this plant is traditional medicine. Leaves and shoots have an analgesic and wound-healing effect. There are many recipes for decoctions and tinctures using loosestrife. They must be used very carefully and only when necessary.
Conclusion
It is not in vain that loosestrife has gained popularity not only among ordinary flower lovers, but also among landscape designers. During the flowering period, it will decorate any corner and put an emphasis on the composition. Caring for this flower is very simple and will not cause difficulties even for beginner growers.