Lysimachia Clethroides

Lysimachia clethroides, commonly known as Gooseneck Loosestrife, is a vigorous, spreading herbaceous perennial valued for its distinctive curved flower spikes and upright habit. It is an excellent choice for cottage gardens, informal borders, wildlife gardens and naturalistic planting.

The plant forms an extensive colony of upright stems reaching approximately 1 metre in height, with narrow, greyish-green leaves providing an attractive backdrop to the flowers.

From summer onwards, slender terminal spikes carry numerous small greyish-white flowers. The flower stems have a characteristic curved shape, resembling a goose’s neck, giving the plant its common name and creating an unusual architectural feature in the border.

Its vigorous spreading habit makes it particularly useful for filling larger areas and creating bold planting displays, although it is worth allowing sufficient space for it to spread.

Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. It is a hardy perennial and works particularly well in informal and naturalistic planting schemes.

The small flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects, making Gooseneck Loosestrife a useful addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.