About
A spreading semi-evergreen shrub to 30cm tall, with small grey-green leaves and fuchsia-like, tubular red flowers 4cm long in late summer and early 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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toW Central USA to N Mexico
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 seed, softwood cuttings or division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free