Chamerion angustifolium
Fireweed · Rosebay Willowherb · Bay willowherb · Great willowherb · French willowherb
Description
Source: leafsnapChamaenerion angustifolium is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant in the willowherb family Onagraceae. It is known in North America as fireweed, in some parts of Canada as great willowherb, in Britain and Ireland as rosebay willowherb. In the United Kingdom it is also known as bombweed, as a result of its rapid appearance on city bomb sites during the Blitz of World War II; the plant is also traditionally known as Saint Anthony's laurel.: 112 It is also known by the synonyms Chamerion angustifolium and Epilobium angustifolium. It is native throughout the temperate Northern Hemisphere, including large parts of the boreal forests.
🎭 Letting go, rebirth, possibility of something new and innovative
Care Guide
💧 Water
☀️ Light Partial sun
Fireweed prefers partly sunny conditions but can also tolerate full sun or complete shade. Coming from habitats with variable sunlight exposure, it is usually undemanding when it comes to light needs.
🌡️ Temperature 5–35°C
Fireweed is native to cool environments and prefers temperatures between 41 and 95 ℉ (5 to 35 ℃). It can tolerate colder temperatures but not extreme heat. In hotter months it may require more frequent watering and shade to avoid high temperature stress.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
One fertilizer application in spring is typically enough for Fireweed, though several feedings can maximize growth. Apply fertilizer every month to six weeks. Fertilization improves the leaves' appearance and performance, helping maintain consistent color and a healthy texture. It also promotes root development and nutrient uptake, supporting the plant's long-term health.
🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years
When repotting Fireweed, pick a pot 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger that has good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, making sure the root ball sits slightly below the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place the pot in a warm location with indirect sunlight.
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Chamerion
- Family
- Onagraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 4-9
- Mature Height
- 0.61 m to 1.52 m
- Mature Spread
- 40 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Purple, White, Pink, Red
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall