About
This mat-forming semi-evergreen perennial, with reddish stems, to a height of up to 30cm. The leaves are long, shiny, oval-shaped and green, occasionally tinted bronze. The flowers, which appear in summer, are usually white, upturned cups, but can also be pink, or pale yellow.
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 shade, Partial shade
Soil typeSand, Loam, Clay, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Matforming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toNew Zealand
Care notes
CultivationIdeal for a cool moist shady position. Makes good groundcover
PruningNo pruning required unless untidy looking
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn or spring, by seed as soon as ripe or in spring, or by cuttings from sideshoots in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rust diseases and powdery mildews