Botanical name:

Epilobium chlorifolium 

Common name(s):

Mountain willowherb

About:

A slightly woody plant, typically reaching heights of 20 to 40 cm, features slender stems that support small, oval-shaped leaves displaying a brownish-green hue, accompanied by slightly toothed margins. During the spring and summer months, this plant produces charming white flowers that can grow up to 1.2 cm wide. It is found throughout both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, primarily thriving in areas from Bay of Plenty and southward; however, it is fairly uncommon in the drier southern regions of the South Island. This plant can be cultivated effectively in a rock garden, where it thrives best in moist soil conditions. In regions with particularly hot summers, providing some shade is advisable to help it flourish. It is worth noting that this plant is relatively short-lived.

Natural habitat: 

Subalpine to Alpine. Mostly in tussock grassland and herb field but extending into the bush line along stream sides. Epilobium chlorifolium has also been collected once, as a weed of gravel ballast in a railway shunting yard.

Growing environment:

Frost, Shade, Wetland, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North and South Islands from Mt Hikurangi, the main axial ranges, Mt Taranaki and the Central Volcanic Plateau south.

Height: 40cm

Flowering:  

October – April with a white coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

October - July

Uses: 

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and rooted pieces. Does best in a rockery. Dislikes warm, humid climates where it is prone to getting powdery mildew.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though