Cinnamon Willowherb (Epilobium coloratum), also called Eastern Purpleleaf Willowherb, is a native North American wildflower recognized for its slender pink-lavender blooms and distinctive reddish stems. This non-GMO variety thrives in moist gardens, rain-friendly landscapes, wetland edges, and naturalized wildflower beds. With long, grass-like foliage and airy flower spikes, Cinnamon Willowherb adds gentle color and ecological value to native planting schemes and pollinator gardens.
Features
- Pink-lavender flowers with red-tinted stems
- Non-GMO North American native wildflower
- Excellent for pollinator habitats and rain-garden borders
- Thrives in moist soil conditions and wetland planting areas
- Fine-textured foliage adds airy garden structure
- Easy to grow, adaptable, and long blooming
Specifications
- Common Name: Cinnamon Willowherb, Eastern Purpleleaf Willowherb
- Scientific Name: Epilobium coloratum
- Plant Type: Perennial wildflower
- USDA Zones: 4–9
- Season: Summer to early fall bloom
- Height: 18–48 inches
- Bloom Color: Pink to lavender
- Foliage: Narrow green leaves with red or purple stem highlights
- Heirloom: Yes
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Organic: Not certified organic
- Light Requirements: Full sun to light shade
- Soil Preference: Moist, rich, or average garden soils
- Water Needs: Moderate to high moisture
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Heat Tolerance: Good with moisture
- Cold Tolerance: Excellent
- Plant Spacing: 12–18 inches
- Seed Longevity: 2–3 years in cool, dry storage
Planting Guide
- Sowing Method: Direct sow outdoors or start in trays for transplanting.
- Seed Preparation: Surface sow; requires light to germinate.
- When to Plant:
- Fall: Best for natural cold stratification
- Spring: After stratifying seeds for 30–60 days
- Sowing Depth: Do not cover; press gently onto soil.
- Germination Time: 14–45 days depending on temperature and stratification.
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil Conditions: Moist soil preferred; tolerates average garden soil.
- Watering: Keep consistently moist while establishing.
- Maintenance:
- Allow some seed heads for natural reseeding in wild areas
- Trim old stems at end of season
- Best suited for native plant and rain garden designs
