My garden, alive in my pocket.
Track my garden
🌿

Fireweed

Chamaenerion angustifolium · Onagraceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant fireweed: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
June to September
Adult size
60 to 150 cm in height
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Very hardy (down to -25°C)
Origin
Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere
Soil type
Well-drained, low maintenance

Care

Exposure

Grow your narrowleaf willowherb in full sun or partial shade. It tolerates partially shaded spots but flowers more abundantly in plenty of light. Place it in a well-ventilated location to encourage healthy growth.

Watering

Water regularly during the growing season (spring and summer) to keep the soil moist without waterlogging. Once established, this plant handles dry periods and humid environments well. Reduce watering in fall and winter.

Soil and Planting

Narrowleaf willowherb adapts to almost any soil type, even poor or acidic ones. It prefers well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Plant in spring or fall in a space where it can spread freely.

Pruning and Maintenance

Cut back cleanly to ground level in late fall or early spring. Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage prolonged flowering and limit self-seeding. Regular pruning keeps the plant compact and vigorous.

Fertilizing

Narrowleaf willowherb is undemanding when it comes to nutrients. A modest application of compost in spring is usually enough. Avoid over-fertilizing, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers.

Health and Diseases

This plant is very robust and rarely affected by serious pests or diseases. Watch for powdery mildew in stagnant humidity conditions. Scale insects may occasionally appear; treat by spraying soapy water if needed.

Did you know?

Narrowleaf willowherb, formerly called 'Epilobium angustifolium,' was among the first plants to colonize the devastated areas of Hiroshima and Nagasaki after 1945, symbolizing nature's resilience and capacity for regeneration. Its popular English name 'Fireweed' refers to its remarkable ability to quickly invade scorched or disturbed land, where it can form spectacular colonies of pink-purple flowers.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

Add this plant to my garden →

Plants from the same family

Browse all plants →

Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.