Overview
Epilobium latifolium is a perennial herb in the genus Epilobium, part of the Onagraceae family. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Epilobium latifolium grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to circumboreal regions of Northern Hemisphere.
About
Epilobium latifolium is a perennial herb in the Onagraceae that forms compact clumps and produces nodding flowers. It is native to circumboreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere and remains close to the ground at around 0.4 m tall. The plant suits sunny, moist but well-drained sites and tolerates sandy, loamy or clay soils. It flowers from June to September.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Chamaenerion latifolium
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 latifolium, commonly called dwarf fireweed or river beauty willowherb, is a clump-forming perennial in the evening primrose family native to circumboreal areas of the Northern Hemisphere. Plants remain low-growing, reaching about 0.4 m, and are valued where a compact, flowering herbaceous perennial is required. Its native range and habit point to a tolerance of cool conditions and open exposure. Position it in full sun on soils that stay moist but drain freely; it will accept sandy, loamy or clay textures provided water does not sit at the roots. In UK terms the species is H7, fully hardy throughout the country, and also corresponds to USDA zones 4–8. Plants established in an open sunny aspect need only routine watering through dry spells and benefit from soil that does not become waterlogged. In cultivation it fits well at the front of a sunny border, in scree and gravel areas where a low perennial is wanted, or as part of a rock or alpine planting. Expect nodding pink-to-white flowers from June to September above the compact foliage, and allow the clump room to show its tidy 0.4 m height.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Epilobium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Epilobium latifolium size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Height
- 0.4 m
- Native to
- circumboreal regions of Northern Hemisphere
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Epilobium latifolium
- Propagation
- seed
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Epilobium latifolium?
Epilobium latifolium prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Epilobium latifolium need?
Epilobium latifolium is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Epilobium latifolium grow?
Epilobium latifolium reaches a height of 0.4 m.
Is Epilobium latifolium hardy in the UK?
Epilobium latifolium has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Epilobium latifolium?
Seed.
More in the Epilobium genus
- Epilobium angustifoliumFireweed
- Epilobium angustifolium 'Album'White Fireweed
- Epilobium angustifolium 'Isobel'Fireweed
- Epilobium dodonaeiDodonaeus' willowherb
- Epilobium fleischeriAlpine willowherb
- Epilobium luteumyellow-flowered Californian willowherb
