Loosestrife (Lysimachia atropurpurea 'Beaujolais')
Discover Lysimachia atropurpurea 'Beaujolais', a low-maintenance Loosestrife offering claret-red spikes from May to September.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Lysimachia atropurpurea ‘Beaujolais’ is a striking herbaceous perennial valued for its unique, deep coloration and prolonged flowering period. This variety of Loosestrife produces slender, curving spikes of claret red to dark purple flowers, offering excellent contrast in sunny or partially shaded borders. Growing compactly to under two feet tall, Lysimachia atropurpurea ‘Beaujolais’ provides reliable structural interest without aggressive spreading habits common to some relatives.
This perennial offers relatively low maintenance, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners seeking maximum visual return. Its lanceolate gray-green leaves provide a soft backdrop to the richly colored blooms that last from early summer well into autumn. For gardeners needing plants that tolerate moisture fluctuation, this Loosestrife thrives in moist conditions.
The cultivar ‘Beaujolais’ maintains the characteristics of the species native to the Balkans, presenting a tidy, upright clump perfect for cottage gardens or specialized rain garden installations. Incorporating Lysimachia atropurpurea ‘Beaujolais’ guarantees a splash of deep jewel tone that remains appealing throughout the growing season.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Primulaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1 ft
- Bloom Time: May to September
- Bloom Description: Claret red to dark purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Lysimachia atropurpurea ‘Beaujolais’ in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, ensuring a location that receives full sun or light afternoon shade. This Loosestrife prefers moist, humusy, well-drained soils, making it highly adaptable near water features or in rain gardens. If planting from seed, this species can be established with relative ease.
Maintain consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry spells, as this perennial prefers medium to wet conditions. While it thrives without heavy feeding, a balanced slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can support robust blooming. Pruning is generally minimal; remove spent flower spikes in late fall or early spring cleanup to tidy the clump appearance.
Although Lysimachia atropurpurea ‘Beaujolais’ will spread in optimal growing conditions, it is notably less aggressive than some other Lysimachia members, keeping its growth contained in a manageable clump. Winter preparation is minimal; plants are reliably hardy in Zones 4 through 8 and typically require no special winter protection.
Landscape Uses
The rich coloration of Lysimachia atropurpurea ‘Beaujolais’ makes it an ideal choice for defined landscape edges. It performs exceptionally well when used in borders where its upright habit can contrast with lower-growing, complementary perennials. Consider planting it along the edges of ornamental ponds or streams, capitalizing on its preference for moist soil conditions where many other garden plants might struggle.
For a classic cottage garden aesthetic, pair this deep-hued Loosestrife with lighter cool colors like silver foliage or pale blue flowers to make the claret spikes pop. Its contained footprint also makes it suitable for mid-layer planting in rain gardens, where it naturally filters runoff while providing beautiful, season-long texture.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lysimachia atropurpurea is a compact, short-lived perennial that grows in a clump to 20” tall on strong upright stems. It is native to the Balkans. It is noted for its tiny claret red to dark purple flowers that bloom in slender, curving, terminal spikes over a long May to September bloom period. Stems are clad with lanceolate gray-leaves (to 3” long).Genus name honors King Lysimachus (661-281 B.C.), Macedonian King of Thrace and is derived from lysimacheios which was the ancient Greek name of a plant in this grouping.Specific epithet means purple.‘Beaujolais’ is a cultivar that is similar in characteristics to the species.
Tolerances
- Wet Soil
Potential Problems
This Loosestrife generally suffers from no serious insect or disease problems, contributing to its low maintenance rating. However, gardeners should remain vigilant for fungal issues, as Lysimachia is susceptible to rust and leaf spots. Ensuring good air circulation during planting and avoiding overhead watering late in the day can help mitigate these fungal risks.
If rust or leaf spots do appear, promptly remove and destroy infected foliage to prevent further spread. Maintaining the required well-drained soil, even in moist locations, is crucial, as prolonged saturation without drainage encourages root issues rather than standard foliage diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Loosestrife suitable for?
This plant is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Lysimachia atropurpurea ‘Beaujolais’ grow?
It typically reaches a height between 1 and 1.5 feet, with a spread of 0.75 to 1 foot, maintaining a compact, clumping habit.
When does Loosestrife bloom?
Lysimachia atropurpurea ‘Beaujolais’ offers an extended bloom period from May through September, displaying striking claret red to dark purple flowers.
What sun exposure does Lysimachia atropurpurea ‘Beaujolais’ need?
It performs best in full sun, though it will tolerate part shade conditions, provided it receives consistent moisture.
Conclusion
The rich color palette and long bloom window make Lysimachia atropurpurea ‘Beaujolais’ an invaluable addition to any mixed border or moisture-retaining landscape. This reliable Loosestrife provides sophisticated structure with minimal ongoing work, provided its need for medium to wet soil is met. Before planting, confirm your local USDA zone falls between 4 and 8 to ensure the best long-term success for your beautiful Lysimachia atropurpurea ‘Beaujolais’.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate partners for Loosestrife enhances both the cultural requirements and the visual appeal of the planting scheme. Given that Lysimachia atropurpurea ‘Beaujolais’ enjoys consistent moisture, pair it with other moisture-loving perennials such as Hostas (for shade situations), Astilbe, or certain varieties of Iris. These companions share a similar need for humus-rich soil and won’t compete aggressively for root space.
When designing for full sun, look to plants that contrast both in form and color. Golden Oreganum or lighter green Hakonechloa grasses create attractive visual separation from the dark purple flowers of the Loosestrife. This strategy helps highlight the unique, upright spikes of the cultivar.
Propagation Tips
Since Lysimachia atropurpurea ‘Beaujolais’ is described as a short-lived perennial, propagation is useful for maintaining clumps in the garden over many years. The easiest method for established plants is division, typically performed in early spring before new growth fully emerges or in early fall. Carefully lift the clump and gently separate the rooted sections, ensuring each division has adequate roots attached.
This Loosestrife can also be grown from seed, although germination may be variable or require stratification depending on the seed source. For best results, sow seeds indoors about eight to ten weeks before the last expected frost date. Be patient, as establishing young plants grown from seed may take a full season before they reach their mature size and display significant flowering.
