It's extremely hard to kill and in many areas is considered an invasive plant, though it is lovely in bloom. I would plant it in a large bucket with drainage holes in the garden and keep an eye on it to be sure it does not overstep its bounds. Most plants are better in the ground than in a pot, but in this case, it does depend on how well-rooted a piece you have.

Agree with ninamarie, better to put it into the ground soon and let it establish before winter than not. A lot of underground "runners" grow now, while little changes on the top during this time of the year. Mine survives some heavy shade at a base of a large tree, but is not overly aggressive (perhaps because of this shade) Its tough, but keep watered for a few days after planting and you should have a bit of growth and much better spring.

Take heed to ninamarie's advice: PLANT IN POT. This one takes off and keeps running..unless you have lots of space. I had a beauty and really loved the gorgeous flowers, but it took over aggressively.

My response is way outdated....but may help another gooseneck loosestrife lover.

My response is way outdated....but may help another gooseneck loosestrife lover.

I had thought I had eradicated this plant from the garden at least five years ago, but probably even longer than that. But it has made a comeback this spring - and in force. Appeared as if from nowhere and a sizeable clump at that.

I loved flowers on mine but when I saw how it spreads, got rid of it. Every time I see it elsewhere I wonder if people know what they got. I have a male Kiwi vine, once I also planted hops, that is out. Kiwi I keep in check, flowers and foliage on it are lovely but you have to control it. Virginia creeper (no wonder it's called a creeper) took off, climbing everywhere, got rid of that too. Honeysuckle is not much better, love the smell but it grows like crazy.

Love the plant and the way it looks.....once you understand how it spreads, it is easy to take a spade in the spring and dig it back, thus containing it....

Ian