How to Grow and Care for Lysimachia Midnight Sun

Lysimachia ‘Midnight Sun’ is a ground cover plant valued for its deep bronze to burgundy leaves and vibrant flowers. The foliage creates a dark mat across the garden floor, which in late spring and summer is decorated with bright, cup-shaped yellow flowers. This creates a notable contrast. Its low and trailing growth pattern forms a dense carpet that spills over edges and fills spaces.

Planting Lysimachia Midnight Sun

Planting should occur in the spring or early fall. This timing allows the plant to develop a strong root system before the stress of summer heat or winter cold. To create a solid ground cover, space individual plants approximately 15 inches apart. This spacing encourages the stems to spread and interlace, forming a dense mat of foliage.

The foliage color is influenced by sunlight exposure. To achieve the deepest plum-purple or bronze tones, plant in a location that receives full sun. While the plant can grow in partial shade, the leaf color may appear more greenish in lower light. In regions with hot summers, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent scorching.

This plant performs best in soil that is consistently moist but also well-draining. While adaptable to various soil types, it thrives in humus-rich soil amended with organic matter. Good drainage prevents waterlogged roots, and the organic material helps retain moisture. It is suitable for growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9.

Care and Maintenance

Maintaining evenly moist soil is important, as this plant is not drought-tolerant. It will require supplemental watering during dry spells to prevent the soil from drying out, especially in full sun or during high heat. Consistent moisture supports vigorous growth and helps maintain the foliage’s appearance.

Supplemental feeding is not a major requirement, as Lysimachia ‘Midnight Sun’ is not a heavy feeder. It performs well without regular fertilizer applications. If desired, a light application of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in early spring is sufficient for the entire season as new growth emerges.

Managing its vigorous growth is an important maintenance task. While less aggressive than some other species in the Lysimachia genus, it is an energetic spreader. The stems root at the nodes as they creep along the ground, allowing the plant to expand. Regular pruning is needed to keep the plant within its intended boundaries and prevent it from encroaching on other plants. Trimming the edges in late spring or early summer helps maintain a tidy appearance.

Landscaping Applications

The primary landscape use for this plant is as a dense ground cover. Its mat-forming habit allows it to fill bare spots in the garden and suppress weeds. The trailing nature of its stems makes it an excellent choice for softening the edges of garden borders, pathways, and rock walls. As it grows, it will cascade over these features, integrating them into the garden design.

It also performs well in containers and hanging baskets. In mixed plantings, it functions as a “spiller,” with its foliage cascading over the sides of pots and baskets. This trailing effect adds texture and color that complements upright “thriller” and mounding “filler” plants. The contrast between its dark leaves and bright flowers makes it an effective feature in container arrangements.

Companion planting can enhance the visual impact of ‘Midnight Sun’. Pair it with plants that offer contrasting foliage colors or textures for a dynamic scene. Plants with silver or chartreuse leaves, like certain varieties of Lamium or Heuchera, provide a strong contrast against the dark bronze foliage. Its fine leaf texture also pairs well with plants that have bolder forms, adding layers of interest to garden beds.