Epilobium ciliatum
American willowherb
A fast-growing, clump-forming herbaceous perennial to 1.5m high, with narrowly ovate, finely toothed green leaves often tinged with red, and numerous small, trumpet shaped pink or white flowers
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Onagraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Epilobium can be annuals or perennials, sometimes invasive, with erect stems bearing willowy leaves and showy, 4-petalled flowers in terminal racemes
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in moist soil in well-lit conditions, but will tolerate shade and a range of soil types. Spreads rapidly, generally considered a weed
Propagation
Propagates by seed produced prolifically through the growing season and wind-dispersed. In favourable conditions, life cycle from germination to seed production can complete in ten weeks
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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