How much sun does Great Willowherb need?

Great Willowherb grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Great Willowherb bloom?

Great Willowherb blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Great Willowherb native?

Great Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum) is native to KY, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Great Willowherb attract?

Great Willowherb draws bees, butterflies, and moths.

Is Great Willowherb HOA-friendly?

Great Willowherb takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Great Willowherb

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Epilobium hirsutum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

24"–60" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Great willowherb is a tall perennial wildflower with narrow leaves and bright pink flowers that bloom from summer into fall. It thrives in moist, partially shaded areas and can spread to form colonies over time. The plant dies back completely in winter but returns reliably each spring.

In an HOA neighborhood

Great Willowherb takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Aggressive spreader that can look weedy
Very informal wildflower appearance
Dies back completely leaving bare spots in winter

Wildlife value

The abundant pink flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and moths throughout the long blooming season. Seeds also attract various songbirds in late fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Great Willowherb need?: Great Willowherb grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Great Willowherb bloom?: Great Willowherb blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Great Willowherb native?: Great Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum) is native to KY, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Great Willowherb attract?: Great Willowherb draws bees, butterflies, and moths.
Is Great Willowherb HOA-friendly?: Great Willowherb takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Great Willowherb? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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