Botanical name:

Epilobium crassum 

Common name(s):

Thick-leaved willowherb

About:

This willowherb is located in alpine regions to the east of the main divide in the South Island and the Kaweka Ranges in the North. It thrives on scree slopes and rocky environments. Characterised by a creeping growth habit, it maintains a compact form. The elongated leaves are fleshy, exhibiting a glossy deep green on the upper side and reddish hues on the underside. Its rose-pink flowers, which can reach up to 1 cm in diameter, bloom during the summer months. This plant can be cultivated in an alpine house and requires a gritty, scree-like soil mix for optimal growth.

Natural habitat: 

Fine grained, relatively stable, moist scree above bush-line from 600-1,800m elevation.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island, Kaweka Ranges only. In the South island, found along & east of main divide from St Arnaud range & Clarence & Awatere rivers to Mt Cook region.

Height: 10cm

Flowering:  

December to February with a pinkish red or 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