Yellow pimpernel

lysimachia nemorum

Also known as: ["Yellow pimpernel","Wood pimpernel"]

Family: Primulaceae Genus: Lysimachia Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A low-growing herbaceous perennial with creeping stems and yellow flowers, native to damp woodlands and hedgerows in Europe.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ericales
Family: Primulaceae
Genus: Lysimachia
Botanical Name: Lysimachia nemorum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: shaded garden bed near water features or in a woodland setting
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–8"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days in dry environments
  • Drainage: Moderately well-draining to slightly moist.
  • Soil Type: Moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically in spring or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, focusing on removing only dead or overgrown parts.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light but prefers bright indirect light for 4–6 hours/day. Adjust for seasonal light changes.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light to prevent scorching. Place in filtered light or dappled shade outdoors. Indoors, keep away from direct sunlight.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Avoid direct sun; provide filtered light; rotate plant for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C). Tolerates cooler conditions but avoids frost.

Keep away from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; avoid extreme fluctuations.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light.

Medium

Peaty, well-draining soil mix or water for initial rooting.

Hormone

Optional, but can help speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; keep out of direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip stems just above a leaf node or bud.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or damaged stems to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged stems; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot to refresh soil and provide space.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution. Water deeply to encourage root growth, but allow excess to drain. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water moderately during active growth (spring-summer), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce frequency in fall-winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add peat moss or compost for moisture retention; mix perlite for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves (cold stress), wilting or leaf drop (heat stress), stunted growth.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf yellowing, and may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).

Solution: Protect from frost; move indoors in cold climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mold.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, curl, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilization.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Lysimachia nemorum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Lysimachia nemorum can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Lysimachia nemorum may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthesis and potential defoliation if severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Lysimachia nemorum due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Lysimachia nemorum is not toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts on felines when ingested.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for keeping this plant around cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Lysimachia nemorum is not toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts on canines when ingested.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for keeping this plant around dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Lysimachia nemorum, commonly known as yellow pimpernel, is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for handling or growing this plant around humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Lysimachia nemorum toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Where does Lysimachia nemorum grow best?

A: It thrives in damp woodlands, hedgerows, and shaded, moist soil conditions.

Q: Does this plant require much care?

A: It is low maintenance and easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.

Quick Reference
Family: Primulaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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