About

Epilobium canum (Z) is a low-growing, semi-evergreen shrub that reaches up to 30 cm in height. It features small, grey-green foliage and produces tubular red flowers, measuring around 4 cm in length, during the late summer and early autumn months.

About the genus

Epilobium species can be classified as either annuals or perennials and may exhibit invasive tendencies. They feature upright stems that support slender leaves and produce prominent flowers with four petals arranged in terminal racemes.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Native to
W Central USA to N Mexico

Care notes

Cultivation
Easy to grow in sheltered, well-drained beds, especially raised beds and in walls, where there is full sun all day
Pruning
Pruning not normally needed, cut back to rootstock in spring to renovate
Propagation
Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or division
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free