Japanese name: リシマキア アトロプルプレア Scientific name:Lysimachia atropurpurea
[Overview]
A short-lived perennial 20–65 cm tall.
The stem is erect, fleshy, and branches at the base.
The leaves are simple and alternate, lanceolate to spatulate, about 8 cm long and 1 cm wide, grayish, with irregularly wavy margins; the lower leaves have short petioles and the upper leaves are stalkless.
A slightly curved spike at the stem tip bears dense small reddish purple to deep purple flowers, which open in order from the bottom.
The corolla is 5-lobed and does not open fully, and the long stamens protrude.
The fruit is a capsule.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by division.
It prefers fertile, well-drained, slightly moist soil in sun to bright shade.
If the site is too shady, flowering is poor.
It dislikes strong dryness, and should be kept out of the afternoon summer sun.
Take care that it does not dry out; water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
In addition to base fertilizer, in spring place slow-release chemical fertilizer on the soil or give diluted liquid fertilizer.
Cutting it back after flowering lets you enjoy a second bloom.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
