Lysimachia monelli, commonly known as Blue Pimpernel or Garden Pimpernel, is a low-growing perennial herb native to Europe, where it thrives in open, sunny habitats with well-drained soils. It is often found in coastal areas, fields, and open woodlands. Lysimachia monelli has trailing stems and typically grows to a height of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) with a similar spread. The plant is known for its vibrant blue or orange flowers, which bloom from late spring to early fall, adding a splash of color to the garden. The flowers are particularly showy and attract pollinators. A red-flowered cultivar was developed through breeding at the University of New Hampshire, expanding the plant’s ornamental appeal.

Blue Pimpernel is valued for its ease of maintenance and its ability to fill in spaces quickly, making it suitable for ground cover, rock gardens, and border fronts. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its excellence for garden use. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate part shade and requires medium to high amounts of water. It is adaptable to various soil types, provided they have slow to medium drainage. However, gardeners should be cautious as Lysimachia monelli can be extremely invasive outside its native range, including in the United States, and may outcompete native species.CC BY-SA 4.0