Chamaenerion
Willow herb
Also known as Epilobium, Chamerion
- Height × spread
- 1.5m – 2.5m × 0.5m – 0.6m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The much loved rosebay willow herb belongs in this genus, Chamaenerion angustifolium, a beautiful wild plant of damp places. The species is generally too invasive for gardens, the gentler 'album' form is often used at the back of borders. 'Stahl Rose' with pale pink blooms is similarly used. Spreading Chamaenerion dodonaei carries pink-purple flowers all summer as does the similar Chamaenerion latifolium. This genus that has been separated from, returned to, and again separated from Epilobium.
- Flower colour
- Red, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 1.5m – 2.5m
- Spread
- 0.5m – 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Prairie garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Bee attraction, Butterfly attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring-Autumn · Planting
Trim dead flowers to prevent self-seeding
Note on self-seeding: If you do not want this plant to set seed it is necessary to promptly remove the spent flowers as they fade.
It's possible to carefully remove the seed heads, complete with seed, and then place them in areas where you would like new seedlings to grow.