Lysimachia congestiflora Play pronunciation

Golden globes loosestrife is a low-growing herbaceous perennial native to Nepal, China, and northern Indo-China and a member of the primrose family (Primulaceae). Its native habitat includes the margins of damp forests, roadsides, rice paddies, and ditches. This plant grows 3 to 6 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches wide, with a prostrate, trailing, creeping, mat-forming habit that forms a dense groundcover with its stems rooting at the nodes. Its leaves are dark green, opposite to whorled, and may be semi-evergreen to evergreen in warm winter climates. Racemes of yellow, 5-petaled, cup-shaped flowers with a red eye bloom from May to July. The genus name Lysimachia honors King Lyimachus of Macedonia from the 600s to 300s BC. The specific epithet congestiflora is derived from two Latin words: congestus, meaning congested, and flos, meaning flower.

Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained humus soils. In very hot climates, afternoon shade is recommended. It is winter hardy in zones 7-9, and a sheltered location is needed in colder winter climates. Best propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division. 

A nice selection as a groundcover border, rain garden, along ponds, and draping over rock walls. May also serve as an annual in hanging baskets or containers.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant insect pests or diseases. Monitor for aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and gnats.  May be susceptible to rust and leaf spot. Can spread aggressively.