Epilobium
Willow herb
Also known as Chamaenerion, Chamerion
- Height × spread
- 2m – 2m × 1m – 1m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This consists of annual, herbaceous and sub-shrubs that are found in temperate areas of the world. A few species are of interest to gardeners. These include the beautiful greater willow herb, Epilobium hirsutum, found in damp places in the countryside. Note: The similar wild willow herb that is commonly seen, the Rosebay willow herb, is presently named Chamaenerion angustifolium. The handsome willow herb, Epilobium glabellum, with forms having flowers coloured yellow, pink and violet is a New Zealand native that flowers for a long season from summer going into autumn. A good number of Epilobiums may be seen in the Pacific northwest area of the USA. These include the dainty four-petalled Autumn willow herb, Epilobium brachycarpum, the carpet-making Siskiyou mountain willow herb, Epilobium rigidum with its fresh-faced rose pink flowers, and the glaucous willow herb, Epilobium glaberrimum. Note: See Chamaenerion and Zauschneria for former Epilobium plants.
- Flower colour
- Pink, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 2m – 2m
- Spread
- 1m – 1m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Butterfly attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
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 - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Planting & general
Planting
Deadhead blooms during flowering season
Remove flowers as they turn brown and fade. Snip the stem just below the bloom. This will keep the plant tidy and encourage more flowers.
The removal of spent flowers encourages the plant to produce fresh ones, rather than spend its energy on the development of seeds.