About

A compact, woody subshrub, to 40cm tall, with narrow, linear grey-green leaves and bright orange to scarlet tubular flowers in late summer and autumn.

About the genus

Epilobium can be annuals or perennials, sometimes invasive, with erect stems bearing willowy leaves and showy, 4-petalled flowers in terminal racemes

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationEasy to grow in sheltered, well-drained beds, especially raised beds and in walls, where there is full sun all day
PruningPruning not normally needed; cut back to rootstock in spring to renovate
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings or division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slug damage on young leaves
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free