Epilobium hirsutum aka Great Hairy Willow Herb

Taxonomy

Epilobium hirsutum, also known as the great willowherb or hairy willowherb, is a flowering plant from the willowherb genus Epilobium in the family Onagraceae. This robust herbaceous perennial spreads through rhizomes, forming dense mats of roots. With stems reaching up to 2m in height, it sports dark green, hairy, lance-shaped leaves. During the summer, it produces attractive mid-pink flowers that are highly appealing to hoverflies and other pollinators. In addition to its natural habitat, Codlins and Cream, this rare houseplant belonging to the Epilobium genus, thrives indoors with regular watering. It flourishes best in direct light, ideally positioned within one foot of a window. To ensure its growth, well-draining soil is recommended, and a gentle, organic fertilizer can be used during the peak growing season. Native to Temperate Eurasia to Africa, Codlins and Cream adds a touch of beauty to any indoor space.

Common names

Great Hairy Willow Herb, Rosebay Willow Herb, Great Willowherb

How to care for Great Hairy Willow Herb

Water

Great Hairy Willow Herb should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Great Hairy Willow Herb loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Great Hairy Willow Herb requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Rosebay Willow Herb is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Region of origin

Great Hairy Willow Herb’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Sweden south and east to N. E. and S. Africa, temperate Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia