Epilobium

These hardy perennials are found wild in Asia, Europe and North America. These plants could become a weedy pest in gardens because they spread rapidly from self-sown seeds. E. angustifolium, the Willow Herb or Fireweed, is an upright, vigorous plant that is suitable for planting by the waterside or wild garden. It grows 4 to 5 feet high and has slender, lance-shaped, dark green leaves with wavy margins. In late summer, they produce spikes of small, rose-purple, 4-petaled flowers. The variety album, White Rosebay, has white flowers and is just as pretty.

Pot Cultivation

Epilobiums may be grown in ordinary, well-drained, moist soil in full sun; they will tolerate some shade.

Propagation

Softwood cuttings of sideshoots may be taken in the spring. They may also be lifted and divided in the fall, or seeds may be sown in the spring.

E. hirsutum

VARIETIES

• E. angustifolium & variety album;
• E. hirsutum;
• E. Hectori;
• E. obcordatum.