Lythrum (‘Morden Rose’ and ‘Morden Gleam’) is one of the best hardy perennials for continuous summer bloom.
It starts blooming in June from terminal branches and keeps sending out long spikes of lovely rose-colored flowers from new growth all summer.
These thrums, or rosy loosestrifes, grow to 3’ to 4’ feet, with ‘Morden Gleam’ the deeper rose.
The foliage is a nice glossy dark green, shading to bronze in the fall, and not bothered by insects or disease.
If the spent bloom tips are cut off from time to time, the plants will have a neater appearance and continue to bloom for weeks and weeks.
Pinch back early spring growth to induce lower branching, more compact clumps, and, consequently, more bloom.
Propagation Process
Here is a propagating hint you may like to try if you need more plants for your borders:
- When your Lythrum plants are 10” to 12” inches high, cut the stem off 3” or 4” inches above the ground with a sharp knife or razor blade.
- Trim the lower leaves from the cutting and place them in a glass of water in a sunny window.
- In a few days, the cutting will develop several roots. Then it may be planted outside in a mixture of sand and soil or vermiculite and soil.
- Keep well watered, and you will soon have a supply of sturdy little Lythrum plants for your garden and more branches to bloom on your original clump.
Modern Varieties Of Lythrum
If you have grown only the old-fashioned type of magenta-colored Lythrum, you are in for a pleasant surprise in the lovely bright rose shades of these new Morden thrums.
The Morden varieties originated at the Morden Experiment Station in Manitoba, Canada.
These are very hardy and dependable in all parts of the country. They will live for years and make larger clumps each year.
The tall spikes of bright rose Lythrum combine well with wide varieties of yellow daylilies.
It is a combination that will make your borders bright and gay for weeks during the hottest weather.
44659 by Daisy L. Ferrick