Overview
Epilobium fleischeri is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Epilobium, part of the Onagraceae family. It is native to Alpine regions.
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 fleischeri is a low-growing herbaceous perennial in the Onagraceae, native to Alpine regions. In its natural setting it occurs in stony places such as moraines and alluvial deposits, where siliceous, free-draining substrates predominate. The flowers are scented, with bright pink petals set against darker sepals, and appear from June to September. Sit Alpine willowherb where water will not stand: it performs best in gritty, siliceous soil or gravel that mimics scree and moraine conditions. Avoid heavy, water-retentive soils; sharp drainage is the key to overwintering. Its Alpine origin means the plant is adapted to cold mountain conditions and open, exposed sites rather than shaded, moisture-trapping corners. In UK gardens it is most at home in rock and alpine beds, gravel terraces and stone crevices where the blooms can be appreciated at close range. The scented pink flowers provide summer interest in tight, stony planting pockets and are particularly suited to troughs or the front of a rockery where their smaller scale can be seen up close.
Plant details
Epilobium fleischeri size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Native to
- Alpine regions
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 'Album'White Fireweed
- Epilobium angustifolium 'Isobel'Fireweed
- Epilobium dodonaeiDodonaeus' willowherb
- Epilobium latifoliumdwarf fireweed
