Chamaenerion angustifolium
(Rosebay Willowherb)
Family - Onagraceae
Category - Perennial
Origin - Northern Hemisphere
Season of Interest - Summer, Autumn
Hardiness - H7
Height - 2m
Width - 90cm or more
Location - The House Border
Description: A herbaceous Perennial with a spreading, upright habit. The mid to dark green leaves are linear to lanceolate in shape and held in spirals on the tall stems. Rich rosy-pink flowers are saucer-shaped and have darker, thin sepals. The Blooms are held in spire-like Racemes towards the tops of the stems and are produced from midsummer into early autumn and are followed by masses of silky, white seeds. Often considered an aggressive weed, Chamaenerion angustifolium can be of considerable ornamental value in a border if kept under control. Attractive to pollinating insects.
Another common name for this plant is Fireweed. This is in reference to the speed at which this plant is able to colonise areas that have experienced a fire or some other form of disturbance.
Synonym- Epilobium angustifolium
Flower:
Vivid rosy-pink, saucer-shaped flowers have thin, deep magenta sepals. The flowers are held in tall racemes from late June into September. The flowers are followed by silky, white seeds.
Flower colour: Pink
Flower shape: Saucer-shaped flowers in racemes
Flowering time: June, July, August, September
Foliage:
Mid to dark green leaves are linear to lanceolate in shape. The leaves are spirally arranged up the tall, vertical stems. Angustifolium means 'with narrow leaves'. The common name, Rosebay Willowherb, is in reference to the willow-like foliage.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Linear to lanceolate
Propagation:
Seed, division or cuttings.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun to partial shade in moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained. Chamaenerion angustifolium will need ample space in a border and has a tendency to spread rapidly, so will need to be controlled.