Photo of Epilobium angustifolium flower by Delphine Ménard

Photo by Delphine Ménard

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Epilobium angustifolium

Also Known As

  • Chamerion angustifolium
  • Fireweed
  • Great Willow Herb
  • Rosebay Willow Herb

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 3'-6'
  • W: 3'-8'

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

More Options

Epilobium angustifolium plant details

Epilobium angustifolium is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with blue and green foliage. In summer purple flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Epilobium angustifolium

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: onagraceae
Foliage: deciduous blue and green
Mature size: 3 FT - 8 FT - wide, 3 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, easy-to-grow, native plant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Epilobium angustifolium

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This glorious wildflower was described by Lewis Clark as 'the eye is gladdened by expanses that glow with incredible colour'. Beautiful 2-5' spikes of deep-purple-pink blooms rise above narrow leaves on this potentially invasive plant that spreads aggressively by strong rhizomes. This perennial is native to open fields, streams, ravines and disturbed areas from Alaska to Canada; it reaches down into the Appalachian Mountains in the east and to California in the west. The name of fireweed is a reference to the way the plant appears in areas devastated by wildfires or volcanoes. This intriguing plant is woven into the lives of people around the world; used as greens by the Native Americans, tea in Russia, and as syrup, candy and even ice cream in Alaska! S/M-D
One of our showiest native wildflowers, the pink blossoms of Fireweed bloom from mid-summer up until the first frost. Named for its habit of appearing on recently burned areas, Fireweed?creeps slowly by rhizomes to form a patch. Prefers rich, loose soil. Not recommended for clay. Hardy to Zones 2 - 5.
An exceptionally colorful, stalwart & hardy California native perennial that is sometimes confused with Lythrum salicaria “Purple Loostrife” (invasive pest in California). It’s beautiful, easy & you can grow it! Generally it grows about 2’-3’ tall, but has been known to reach 6’-8’ in colder climes like Alaska. Long, upright dense spikes of four-petalled flowers appear mid-Summer thru Fall atop yellow stems & attractive willow-like foliage. Loved by bees, it also has many medicinal uses & the new shoots (up to 8”) can be cooked like asparagus. Grown in any ordinary garden soil, this plant is especially useful for creating a reliable patch of color in the back of a garden! If kept moist it can spread some by wandering roots – just pluck out the new shoots & they’ll stop right there or grow it in a large container. Don’t grow it near a creek or wet area, as it can become a weed in wet soil.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Epilobium angustifolium plant

How to Grow Epilobium angustifolium

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glaucous
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