Black-purple loosestrife

Family Primulaceae. Native to Greece.

An unusual perennial 45-90 cm tall. Hardiness zone according to Western catalogs: 3-9. A delightful species with spikes of numerous wine-red, almost black flowers that sharply contrast with silvery-green lanceolate leaves. Notable is the characteristic slight crinkling along the leaf edge, especially noticeable on young leaves. Forms a clump 45-60 cm in diameter. Blooms from July to August. There are cultivars, for example 'Beaujolais'.

Requires an open sunny site or light partial shade and light, well-drained soil, pH 6-7. The plant tolerates drought but prefers moist soil, so watering is desirable in dry weather. In warm regions it can be aggressive. Easily propagated by seed. For seedlings, sow in February in a mixture of peat and sand. Sow on the surface, as light is required for germination. Maintain moisture. At a temperature of 13-15 °C, seedlings appear within 10-12 days. Grown-on seedlings are transplanted into 7.5 cm diameter pots. Plant out to their permanent position in June. Seedlings must be hardened off before planting out. Spacing between plants - 45 cm. An excellent plant for borders, can be grown in a container and looks good in a bouquet. Attracts butterflies.