Lysimachia punctata aka Dotted Loosestrife

Lysimachia punctata, also known as the dotted loosestrife, large yellow loosestrife, circle flower, or spotted loosestrife, is a vigorous perennial plant in the Primulaceae family. It forms a substantial clump of erect stems with lance-shaped leaves that have bold cream margins, sometimes tinged with pink. In mid-summer, this plant produces bowl-shaped, bright yellow flowers measuring 2.5cm wide, which appear in the upper leaf axils. It is important not to confuse Lysimachia punctata with the invasive weed Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). Unlike the weed, this attractive species has been cultivated in gardens since Victorian times. It forms a bushy and fast-spreading clump of green leaves, with loose spikes of starry, bright-yellow flowers that bloom in early to mid-summer. However, in order to prevent it from taking over the garden, it is necessary to reduce its size every year or two. Lysimachia punctata can tolerate shade under trees and benefits from regular summer watering. Additionally, it is highly attractive to butterflies and can be used for cutting in floral arrangements.