About
A native perennial to about 75cm tall. Small, pale pink flowers in summer have long, tubular ovaries, developing into pods that burst open to release seeds dispersed with the help of silky parachutes. Often overwintering as a rosette of leaves, it has upright, leafy stems covered in fine hairs.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationNaturally found in wet or damp soils, but can stray into gardens. Worth tolerating to increase biodiversity and as a food plant for caterpillars of elephant hawkmoth, and other moth species. See willowherbs for more information
PruningNo pruning required; deadheading will reduce self seeding
PropagationSpreads readily by windborne seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free, but may be susceptible to rust diseases and powdery mildews