Any growers still use the "hybridized" version of this purple loose strife? It is now banned in quite a few areas but I loved this plant years ago. Still do. At the time, I was dating a woman who worked for the plant sciences dept at UConn where they did lots of Orchard IPM. They also did a massive study on how invasive this plant was. Their study in my opinion was more so focused on the non hybridized wild versions you see on the sides of the highways. My garden varieties didnt spread...no underground runners like Gooseneck Loosestrife, didnt blow seeds all over the place and the bees were more interested in other plants. Give me back my Morden Gleam! Actually I still have sources.
It is banned here also. I see it occasionally in yards in my line of work. I remember when the nurseries sold it. I never saw it spreading, and perhaps it was the wild variety that is the problem. I like it, the blooms are a pretty purple and stay most of the summer.
Lythrum salicaria is the purple loosestrife that is on the invasive and/or banned plant list for almost every state in the U.S. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=lysa2 Lythrum virgatum 'Morden Gleam' is a cultivar that under some circumstances could hybridize with the Lythrum salicaria if they are growing in close proximity to each other and become an even bigger problem. http://gardening.wsu.edu/column/07-11-99.htm apparently those two species and the yellow loosestrife are on the prohibited list of plants in Washingtons state. In most gardens it appears Lythrum virgatum 'Morden Gleam' will behave itself. But you probably should find out if it has made the invasive/prohibited list in your area before planting it.
I had some sprout in one of my clients gardens one year - not sure where it came from, but I removed it as soon as I figured out what it was. It is banned here as well.
It isn't prohibited here,that I know of,anyway. I've had it forever & see it in nearby towns when garden touring.I don't think there is any other for several miles.Mine hasn't seeded. Japanese Beetles have been doing a # on it.I think this year I will keep it cut off & have it bloom after beetles have gone. Like I do roses. sNs
sNs, the Lythrum salicaria is listed as a Secondary Noxious Weed in Iowa...meaning it is illegal to import, sell, offer for sale, or distribute the seeds or the plants of purple loosestrife in any form. You might want to get a verified ID of which species you have and don't let your neighbors know you have it Check out this link http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=lysa2
Hi Toni,If you could only see the horrible noxious weeds that my only near neighbor lets grow ! I don't intend to propagate or sell any Lythrum.Nobody around here gives a hoot what I grow in my flower beds. Someday I will post a picture of what is across the fence from me.I would have a fence to block the view but it would cut off my needed eastern sun.I do have part of it screened where it is shady. sNs
