About
Epilobium hirsutum, great willowherb, is a vigorous, erect, rhizomatous perennial to 2 m tall with hairy, lance-shaped, rich-green leaves and mid-pink, four-petalled flowers throughout summer, highly attractive to hoverflies and other pollinators. A bold and wildlife-friendly native wildflower for a moist border or water's edge.
About the genus
Epilobium, the willowherbs, are annuals and perennials with erect or spreading stems bearing lance-shaped leaves and four-petalled, pink, purple or white flowers in terminal racemes from summer to autumn. They range from tall, invasive species to compact rock garden plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeSand, Loam, Clay, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moisturePoorly-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Prairie planting
Care notes
CultivationIdeal for damp, wild areas such as streamsides or marshy ground where the roots can spread freely. Will also grow in well-drained soil and needs full sun to thrive. Excellent plant for attracting pollinating species. See willowherbs for more information
PruningCut back at the end of the year, when foliage dies back
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn or spring, or by seed as soon as ripe or in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rust diseases and powdery mildews