Yellow Loosestrife Lysimachia punctata 'Alexander' (v)

Water

Alexander Loosestrife prefers consistently moist soil, so it should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In general, this might mean watering approximately once a week, but this can vary depending on climate and weather conditions. During hot or dry spells, the plant may need watering more frequently, perhaps every few days. You should aim to provide the plant with about one gallon of water per watering session to ensure the moisture reaches deep into the root zone. It's important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, so always check the soil moisture before adding more water.

Light

Alexander Loosestrife thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location for this plant would be a spot where it receives at least six hours of sunlight a day, although it can also perform well with some afternoon shade, especially in hot climates. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can result in fewer flowers and a leggy growth habit.

Temperature

Alexander Loosestrife is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°F and as high as 85°F, although it prefers a moderate climate. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth and flowering. Ensure that the plant is protected from extreme heat, as prolonged high temperatures may stress it.

Pruning

Alexander Loosestrife can be pruned to maintain its shape and to encourage bushier growth. Pruning should be done in early spring before new growth starts. You can cut back the stems by about a third to promote new growth and a more compact form. It's also beneficial to remove any dead or damaged stems at this time to keep the plant healthy. Additionally, after flowering, you can deadhead spent blooms to encourage a second wave of flowers.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the Yellow Loosestrife is one that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. The ideal pH for this plant ranges from 6.0 to 7.0, leaning towards a slightly acidic to neutral soil environment. A mix combining garden soil, compost, and some perlite or sand would ensure proper drainage and fertility for the Yellow Loosestrife.

Repotting

The Yellow Loosestrife should ideally be repotted every 2-3 years to replenish its soil and prevent it from becoming root-bound. Repotting also provides an opportunity to divide the plant if it has grown too large.

Humidity & Misting

Yellow Loosestrife thrives in average to high humidity conditions; it is not overly sensitive to humidity levels. It generally does well in the humidity levels found in most outdoor garden settings.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Use well-draining soil, place in bright indirect light.

• Outdoor

  Plant in moist, well-draining soil, partial to full sun.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

Lysimachia punctata 'Alexander', commonly known as Yellow Loosestrife or Alexander's Yellow Loosestrife, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in the spring when temperatures warm. The seedling stage follows, where it establishes a root system and begins to sprout leaves. As it enters the vegetative stage, it develops a clump-forming perennial habit with variegated green and creamy white foliage and rapidly grows to its full foliage size. The reproductive stage occurs in early to mid-summer when Yellow Loosestrife produces spikes of cup-shaped, yellow flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, it sets seed which disperses nearby, completing the reproductive cycle. During the dormant stage in late fall and winter, the above-ground parts die back, and the plant survives with its underground parts until the next spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Lysimachia punctata 'Alexander', also known as yellow loosestrife 'Alexander', is most commonly propagated by division, which is usually done in the spring or fall. To propagate by division, you would carefully lift the clump of the plant from the ground with a spade or fork, ensuring a good amount of roots on each division. Then, using a sharp knife or spade, you'd divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. These divisions should then be replanted at the same depth they were growing at before, and watered thoroughly to establish a good root system. This method is effective as it ensures that the new plants are true to the parent plant, and they often establish quickly, leading to mature plants sooner than other propagation methods such as seed sowing.