Do I cut back yellow loosestrife?

[user1471530109]

I have googled and can't find an answer really. It seems to have spread massively this year and looked lovely. But it's now gone to seed. Do I cut it back to the ground?
Thanks-I'm still learning!

Cutting it back to stop the seed spreading won't harm it but it also spreads via the roots so you'll need to dig some out if it's getting too big.

I mean big as in wide, not high.

As long as the leaves are healthy, they're making food to store in the roots, so I wouldn't cut back. Cutting dead flower heads off before the plant puts energy into making seeds may be worth it. Cutting back bits you find unsightly won't hurt it. But don't make work for yourself.

Thank you both. So just cut the spent flower heads off? Are they like bulbs then? Am I sounding daft?

Not like bulbs, no, the roots spread and new plants grow from them . Yes you can cut it back, but it won’t flower again now . But will allow other things to come through . I usually leave mine and cut it ba k in spring but that’s far too late so may cut it on the next week or so and see what happens :)

@user1471530109

Thank you both. So just cut the spent flower heads off? Are they like bulbs then? Am I sounding daft?

Yes, as in, you can dead head after flowering. That applies to most plants (unless you want the fruits). But you don’t have to. It’s up to you. it won’t hurt the plants if you don’t