About
Chamaenerion angustifolium is a robust perennial that can reach approximately 1.5 meters in height. It spreads vigorously through its rhizomes, creating dense patches. The leaves are elongated and narrow, reminiscent of willow foliage, and grow in a spiral pattern along the stems, which are subtly pink-tinged. From summer into autumn, the plant produces tall spikes adorned with purplish-pink flowers, which are succeeded by elongated seed pods that also exhibit a pink hue. The seeds are enveloped in soft, silky tufts.
About the genus
Chamaenerion species can be either annuals or perennials and may exhibit invasive traits. They feature upright stems that support slender leaves and produce conspicuous, four-petaled flowers arranged in terminal racemes.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
- Native to
- N Hemisphere
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Naturally occurs on a wide range of soils in open places such as verges or waste ground. A colourful native wildflower, with wildlife benefits, but spreads easily so may need controlling in some areas. See willowherbs for more information
- Pruning
- No pruning required, though deadheading will reduce self-seeding
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or propagate by division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free