About

Chamaenerion angustifolium 'Album' is a vigorous perennial that can reach heights of up to 1.5 meters. This plant establishes a broad colony through its rhizomatous roots, producing upright stems that may exhibit a subtle pink hue. Its foliage consists of elongated, narrow leaves reminiscent of willow. From mid-summer to early autumn, it produces spikes adorned with white flowers, each measuring around 2 centimeters in diameter. After flowering, it develops elongated seed pods that are tinged with pink, housing seeds enveloped in fine, silky fibers.

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, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1-1.5 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade; vigorously spreading by rhizomes and has the potential to become a nuisance so site with care
Pruning
Deadhead to encourage repeat flowering and to prevent self-seeding
Propagation
Propagate by seed, propagate by division in spring or autumn or propagate by softwood cuttings from side shoots in spring
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to slug and snail damage
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and a rust