Lythrum salicaria Robert

Lythrum salicaria 'Robert', also known as common loosestrife, is a stunning perennial that thrives in moist or marshy soil. It forms large upright clumps, which are more compact than the species. It produces an abundant flowering in long spikes of particularly dense bright carmine pink flowers throughout summer. Its lanceolate green foliage develops beautiful reddish hues in autumn. Hardy, sturdy, and prolific, it thrives in full sun or partial shade, along damp banks. It sometimes 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 moist, even waterlogged soil, and frequently spreads in shallow water, at the edge of water sources. This herbaceous perennial of the Lythraceae family has given rise to some horticultural forms, including 'Robert', which is shorter, with denser and particularly colourful spikes.

The 'Robert' variety 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 80cm (32in) tall and 50cm (20in) wide. From June to September, magnificent inflorescences appear in the form of long, rather thick spikes, densely filled with small, bright carmine 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 at the end of the season.

Lythrum salicaria 'Robert' is an easy-to-grow perennial, ideal for decorating the edges of water sources or marshy areas, which it illuminates with its generous summer flowering. It blends well with a multitude of plants and forms beautiful autumn compositions. Plant it together with eupatoriums, loosestrifes, Filipendula rubra 'Venusta', and Euphorbia palustris, for example. In a more wild style, this imposing perennial forms a very successful association with tall grasses in the back of a border: Miscanthus, Panicum, or Stipa, for example. It can be grown in beds or in waterlogged containers. Its vertical silhouette creates a beautiful contrast with the majestic fountain-like habit of osmundas. However, it can sometimes become invasive if the required conditions are met, self-seeding spontaneously in fertile, well-drained, and moist soil.

The 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 its pulp can be enjoyed after cooking.

Tips: Trim faded flowers in early autumn to limit its spread.