Overview
Epilobium angustifolium is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Epilobium, part of the Onagraceae family. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Epilobium angustifolium grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Temperate Northern Hemisphere.
About the genus
Epilobium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species. The genus has a worldwide distribution. It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and tropics Epilobium species are restricted to the cool montane biomes, such as the New Guinea Highlands.
Wikipedia contributors, "Epilobium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Epilobium
In the garden
Epilobium angustifolium is a tall perennial herbaceous member of the Onagraceae, native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Expect plants to reach about 2.0 m and carry their flowering display through June to September, providing a vertical summer presence. Grow it in a sunny position; full sun exposure is required for best flowering. It adapts to a wide range of soils — sandy, loamy or clay — provided they are well drained or remain moist but free-draining. It is rated H7, which means it is fully hardy in UK gardens and can tolerate cold winters without winter protection. Allow space for a 2.0 m specimen when siting, placing it at the rear of a sunny border or the edge of a meadow where height is needed. Regular soil that does not stay waterlogged suits the plant; avoid heavy, compacted ground that holds surface water. The long flowering period from June to September makes it useful where a sustained vertical element is required through the summer months.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Epilobium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Epilobium angustifolium size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herbaceous
- Height
- 2.0 m
- Native to
- Temperate Northern Hemisphere
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Epilobium angustifolium
- Propagation
- Seed, division
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Epilobium angustifolium?
Epilobium angustifolium prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Epilobium angustifolium need?
Epilobium angustifolium is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Epilobium angustifolium grow?
Epilobium angustifolium reaches a height of 2.0 m.
Is Epilobium angustifolium hardy in the UK?
Epilobium angustifolium has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Epilobium angustifolium?
Seed, division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Epilobium genus
- Epilobium angustifolium 'Album'White Fireweed
- Epilobium angustifolium 'Isobel'Fireweed
- Epilobium dodonaeiDodonaeus' willowherb
- Epilobium fleischeriAlpine willowherb
- Epilobium latifoliumdwarf fireweed
