Lysimachia barystachys 'Huntingbrook'

Gooseneck Loosestrife 'HuntingBrook' Myrsinaceae

A loosestrife with a pedigree, a dark side and absolutely no intention of being boring. Lysimachia barystachys ‘Huntingbrook’ is a particularly handsome form of this Asian perennial, forming a spreading clump of narrow, grey-green leaves on strikingly dark stems. In summer, these carry upright terminal spikes of small, pure-white flowers, the combination of dark stems and white flowers making an especially elegant contrast.

The species is native to China, Korea and Japan, where it occurs in moist grassland and other damp habitats. The species is variable in stature, generally reaching around 30–100cm, but ‘Huntingbrook’ is a particularly robust and ornamental form.

The introduction has an excellent modern collecting history. The original plant was found in China by Irish plantsman Jimi Blake of Huntingbrook Garden and subsequently selected by Nick Macer, who recognised its particularly attractive dark stems and brought it into horticultural circulation. Our stock derives from this introduction.

Like many Lysimachia, it appreciates moisture, making it especially useful in fertile ground where less enthusiastic perennials begin to look rather miserable. Give it sun or partial shade and reasonably rich, moisture-retentive soil. It spreads gradually by rhizomes to form a substantial colony, but is considerably better behaved than some of its more enthusiastic relatives.

Height: 80–100cm
Spread: 60–100cm
Flowering: June–August
Hardiness: H6, approximately -20 to -15°C
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Soil: Moist, fertile, humus-rich soil