Lysimachia

Lysimachia (/ˌlaɪsɪˈmeɪkiə/[1]) is a genus consisting of 193 accepted species of flowering plants traditionally classified in the family Primulaceae.[2] Based on a molecular phylogenetic study it was transferred to the family Myrsinaceae,[3] before this family was later merged into the Primulaceae.[4]

Lysimachia species often have yellow flowers, and grow vigorously. They tend to grow in damp conditions. Several species within Lysimachia are commonly called loosestrife, although this name is also used for plants within the genus Lythrum. The genus is named in honor of Lysimachus, a king of ancient Sicily, who is said to have calmed a mad ox by feeding it a member of the genus.[5]

Lysimachia species are used as food plants by the larvae of some butterflies and moths, including the dot moth, grey pug, lime-speck pug, small angle shades, and v-pug.

Bees of the genus Macropis are specialized to pollinate oil-producing Lysimachia plants. These bees use exclusively Lysimachia floral oils for building their nests and provisioning cells. Lysimachia floral-specific chemicals are strong attractors for Macropis nuda and Macropis fulvipes bees that are seldom found in other plant genera.[6]

Several fossil seeds of Lysimachia sp. have been described from middle Miocene strata of the Fasterholt area near Silkeborg in Central Jutland, Denmark.[7] †Lysimachia nikitinii seed fossils have been collected from Pliocene strata of south eastern Belarus. The fossils are most similar to seeds of the East Asian Lysimachia davurica.[8]

Variegated Lysimachia Care
Variegated lysimachia is a great way to add a bit of color and visual interest to your garden. To the benefit of casual gardeners, the plant does not require much care—it can thrive in a variety of different soil conditions and will do well in both full sun and partial shade.

Variegated lysimachia blooms in late spring and early summer all the way through fall, exploding in bright yellow blooms that complement its striped foliage. At blooming time, the variegation on the plant is green and white, but earlier in the spring, it’s often a striking green and pink. It looks great when given a prominent spot in the landscape, like as an edging plant or as landscaping around a water feature (it loves wet ground). Additionally, the plant has no serious pest or disease issues.

Light
Variegated lysimachia can thrive when planted in a spot that either boasts full sun or partial shade. However, its exact needs will depend largely on the environment you’re growing it in. Hot summer weather means your plant is probably best located in a partially shady (to fully-shaded) spot, while more moderate temperatures mean a sunnier spot is ok. If you notice the leaves fading in color or acquiring a “bleached” appearance, it’s a good sign that the plant is receiving too much light.

Soil
Aim to plant your variegated lysimachia in a spot that has consistently moist soil. Lysimachia plants do not like dry soil, so it’s important have a blend that retains water well—you can even top the soil with a bit of mulch to help lock in moisture as well. Additionally, soil pH is not important to your variegated lysimachia plant—it can do well in a mixture that is neutral, acidic, or alkaline.

Water
Your variegated lysimachia plant should be watered regularly to ensure the soil does not dry out. If you notice the leaves losing their vibrancy or browning around the edges, that’s a good indication that the plant is not receiving enough water. Generally, about 1 inch of water (from rainfall or manual watering) per week will be sufficient, though you may need to increase your watering cadence if you’re experiencing particularly hot or dry weather.

Temperature and Humidity
As long as it’s planted in the proper USDA hardiness zone, your variegated lysimachia will be very happy. Other than that, it does not have any special temperature or humidity requirements—in fact, it’s an especially hardy varietal and can tolerate temperatures as low as -13 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertizlier
Feeding your variegated lysimachia isn’t necessary for successful growth or a thriving plant. However, it can’t hurt either—if you want to give your plant an extra boost (like if your soil isn’t particularly nutrient-rich), you can feed the plant with a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of its growing season in early spring.