White-flowering Loosestrifes

White-flowered loosestrifes are hardy perennials that produce clusters or spikes of white flowers above their foliage in summer. Growing to 70 cm to 1 m tall, they thrive in shady beds, damp meadows and along the banks of waterways. Plant them in rich, more or less moist soil.

The gooseneck loosestrife, Lysimachia clethroides, is recognisable by its curved white spikes, shaped like a swan's neck. It spreads rapidly via its rhizomes and can form large colonies. Lysimachia fortunei produces narrower, slightly arched clusters above foliage that turns orange-red in autumn. In Lysimachia barystachys, the flowers are grouped in soft, irregular spikes; this robust species gradually spreads in cool to moist soils. More slender, Lysimachia ephemerum combines delicate creamy white flowers with long blue-green leaves. It tolerates chalky soils.

These plants are at home among perennials for damp shade or beside water, with astilbes, ferns, hostas and purple loosestrifes. As some white-flowered species are running, allow them enough space or limit their spread. Find all our advice in "Loosestrife: planting, care and propagation ".