August 23 | Plant of the week Part X

Magical Fireweed

There are about 215 species in this genus. They have already shocked many gardening enthusiasts. Their urge to spread is due to the rhizomes that grow underground. In particular, our native Epilobium angustifolium, the narrow-leaved fireweed, does not always provide pleasant surprises. As a typical pioneer plant, it spreads strongly in promising places on acidic soil. The bright pink to crimson inflorescences add color to the landscape. The seeds also fly far and should be cut off in the garden. Nonetheless, the flowers are adorable. The white-flowered form Epilobium angustifolium fo.albiflorum appears to us to be particularly attractive because it is rare. We find them in nature mostly in communities of fields. In the garden it must have strong growing partners or be planted where the rhizomes cannot spread further.