This beautiful plant erupts in early spring like a mound of leafy red-velvet cake. The broad leaves and incredible deep maroon color make this an absolutely essential pick for creating contrast in the garden. Fringed Loosestrife is often found streamside or in other wet areas where it forms small colonies, but it is adaptable in the garden and will grow happily in average soil and even tolerates shade. Cheery yellow flowers appear in summer and intermittently into fall. Cut the stems back by half in May to keep the purple party going.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade; average to wet soil
Size: 3' tall, 3 - 5' spread
Zone: 3 - 8
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract bees, including several pollen specialists
Photos: Dave Korbonits, Ethan Kauffman