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Herbaceous Perennial

Chamaenerion angustifolium
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

rosebay willowherb

A rhizomatous, strongly-spreading perennial to about 1.5m tall, forming dense colonies, with long, narrow, willow-like leaves arranged spirally up the pink-tinged stems. Striking spikes of purplish-pink flowers bloom from summer to autumn, followed by long pink-tinged seed pods; seeds are cocooned in silky plumes

Other common names
bay willow
blooming willow
see moreburntweed
fireweed
French willow
French willowherb
great willowherb
herb wickopy
moose tongue
Persian willow
pigweed
purple rocket
rose bay
rose elder
wickup
Synonyms
Epilobium angustifolium
Epilobium spicatum
see moreChamerion angustifolium
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained, Well–drained
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Red Pink Purple Green
Autumn Pink Red Pink Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Onagraceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Chamaenerion can be annuals or perennials, sometimes invasive, with erect stems bearing willowy leaves and showy, 4-petalled flowers in terminal racemes

Name status

Correct

Plant range
N Hemisphere

How to grow

Cultivation

Naturally occurs on a wide range of soils in open places such as verges or waste ground; has the potential to become a nuisance so site with care

Propagation

Propagate by seed, propagate by division in spring or autumn or propagate by softwood cuttings from side shoots in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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