Overview
Epilobium angustifolium 'Album' is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Epilobium, part of the Onagraceae family. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Epilobium angustifolium 'Album' 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
Belonging to the willowherb family Onagraceae, Epilobium angustifolium 'Album' is a tall perennial from the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere that produces white-flowered spikes in summer. Flowering runs from June to September, during which the erect stems reach roughly 2.0 m and give the plant a prominent vertical presence. Place it in full sun to achieve the best display; it will accept a range of soils — sandy, loamy or clay — provided they are well-drained or at least moist but not waterlogged. Its hardiness rating, H7, means it tolerates the coldest UK winters without special protection and corresponds roughly to USDA zones 3-7. Allow generous space at the back of a mixed herbaceous border or in a naturalistic meadow scheme where height is wanted, as the plant’s stature can form a tall summer accent. Because it prefers open, sunny positions and a soil that does not remain saturated, avoid shaded hollows or poorly drained clay depressions. Expect a definitive summer presence: upright stems around 2.0 m carrying white blooms from June to September.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Epilobium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Epilobium angustifolium 'Album' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herbaceous
- Height
- 2.0 m
- Native to
- Temperate Northern Hemisphere
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Epilobium angustifolium 'Album'?
Epilobium angustifolium 'Album' prefers full sun.
What soil does Epilobium angustifolium 'Album' need?
Epilobium angustifolium 'Album' 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 'Album' grow?
Epilobium angustifolium 'Album' reaches a height of 2.0 m.
Is Epilobium angustifolium 'Album' hardy in the UK?
Epilobium angustifolium 'Album' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
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 angustifoliumFireweed
- Epilobium angustifolium 'Isobel'Fireweed
- Epilobium dodonaeiDodonaeus' willowherb
- Epilobium fleischeriAlpine willowherb
- Epilobium latifoliumdwarf fireweed
