Lythrum salicaria 'Rosy Gem' – enchanting pink flowers for borders and wetlands

Lythrum salicaria 'Rosy Gem', commonly known as purple loosestrife or rosemary, is a beautiful perennial known for its intense pink, upright flowers. This cultivar is distinguished by its compact, bushy growth and a prolific flowering period that adds long-lasting color to the garden. 'Rosy Gem' is ideal for marshy borders, pond edges, and cutting gardens, but also works well in natural and bee-friendly gardens.

With its elegant, narrow leaves and pointed, vertical flower clusters, this plant creates a beautiful contrast with green, silvery, or yellow-flowering plants. It also attracts bees, bumblebees, and butterflies, making a valuable contribution to garden biodiversity.

Characteristics of Lythrum salicaria 'Rosy Gem'

• Flower color: soft to bright pink

• Height: 60–90 cm

• Flowering period: July – September

• Leaf: narrow, lance-shaped, bright green

• Winter hardy: yes

Lythrum salicaria 'Rosy Gem' forms a compact rosette of leaves in its first year. From the second year onwards, impressive, upright flower clusters appear, reaching a full height of 60 to 90 cm. The long flowering period keeps the border vibrant and attractive until late summer.

Location and care

This Lythrum species grows best in a sunny to lightly shaded spot in moist, humus-rich soil. It tolerates both wet and boggy conditions well, making it ideal for pond edges and damp borders.

Care tips:

• Sow directly in the open ground in spring or grow in pots first for planting out later.

• Keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods, to promote strong, healthy growth.

• Remove spent stems if desired to encourage new flowering or a neat appearance.

• To maintain vitality, the plant can be divided in early spring.

Lythrum salicaria 'Rosy Gem' is relatively low-maintenance and hardy, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Application in garden and border

This pink loosestrife is ideal for medium to tall borders, pond edges, bog plantings, and natural gardens. The vertical flower spikes create a playful yet sleek effect that contrasts beautifully with low-growing or leafy plants. Combinations that work well include:

• Silver-leaved plants such as Artemisia or Salvia for a subtle contrast

• Yellow flowering perennials such as Rudbeckia or Helenium for complementary colours

• Other moisture-loving plants such as Iris pseudacorus for a natural swamp look

Thanks to its sturdy stems and rich flowering, Lythrum salicaria 'Rosy Gem' is also suitable as a cut flower for bouquets and flower arrangements.

Why choose Lythrum salicaria 'Rosy Gem'?

✔ Compact, richly flowering pink flowers – ideal for borders and pond edges
✔ Long flowering period from July to September
✔ Hardy and easy to maintain
✔ Attractive to bees, bumblebees and butterflies
✔ Perfect for natural gardens, cutting gardens and moist plantings
✔ Sturdy stems suitable for cut flowers