If you drive along the pile main road of southwestern Colorado in mid to late summer , you ’re potential to see small garden pink or purple non-white flowers line the route and hillside , especially in sphere that have recently experienced wildfire . In all likeliness , you are look at Fireweed . Fireweed can spread across hillside and get a bit invasive if not managed on a residential property . In this article , we ’ll do a abstruse diva on growing and wish for Fireweed .
There is more than one flower call Fireweed . The plant life referenced in this article should not be broken withSenecio madagascariensis , or South African Fireweed , a noxious and toxic daisy - corresponding weed that is considered invading . This Fireweed , Chamerion angustifolium , is aboriginal to North America .
Growing Fireweed
Fireweed is a play works to grow in your garden , but before we get commence sow seeds , let ’s head for the hills down some important fact about this lovely wild flower .
Fireweed ( Chamerion angustifolium ) , which is known as smashing willowherb in Canada and Rosebay willowherb in the UK and Ireland is an herbaceous perennial native to gravid swaths of North America , Canada , and the United States in particular . Even in its native range , it can be a bit invasive , so guardianship must be taken to contain the flora . It grows in full sun in dampish , rich , organic , well - drained soil . It flourish in zone 2 - 7 , so alas more tropical regions wo n’t successfully grow this plant .
These plant change in height , originate from 1 to 6 feet with some reports of even 9 pes improbable Fireweed . They bloom in short in mid to previous summertime and do n’t mind a juiceless fertilizer comprise atomic number 7 , phosphorus , and potassium . They are not known to be toxic , are somewhat drought resistant , may be deer resistant , and in their native range are exceedingly pest resistant .
Water
Fireweed likes it a short bite wet for a drought - tolerant industrial plant , so regular lacrimation are a must . They can go a few day without , though , especially once to the full established . After a few geezerhood , it wo n’t need quite so much attention from you .
Sunlight
Fireweed grows best in full sun condition . In the wilderness , it can be found produce on grassy hillsides mostly devoid of trees .
Soil
This wild flower likes rich , well - drained soil that ’s amended with band of constitutional textile like leaves . Piling fall entrust over your plot of ground of Fireweed is a good way to continue nurture the soil in which it grows . Be aware not to plant this flower in pack soils that do n’t drain well . While it care regular water , it ’s not a fan of waterlogged soil condition .
Fertilizing
you could most belike get forth with not putting any fertilizer on this wild flower , or else opting to add rich compost to the stain each twelvemonth . If your flora seems to be struggling , consider adding a teetotal fertilizer containing nitrogen , morning star , and potassium .
Invasiveness
Fireweed is known to overspread underground through rootstock , which can make it a nuisance if you do n’t want it taking over . While not incisively encroaching in its aboriginal range , it can be a little bit hard to control . This industrial plant is a good nominee for container gardening , as the container will deoxidise the likelihood of unwanted spread .
Growing Fireweed in containers
Fireweed is a good candidate for growing in containers , as it can spread through rhizomes and become a pestis , even in its native range . Just be mindful that you ’re better the soil with nutritious , constitutional material every twelvemonth and providing occasional fertilizing . This plant can also be a trivial bit on the thirsty side for a drouth - tolerant flora , so be mindful that it get passable water when grow in a pot .
Common problems
Fireweed is a brave works with very few pestilence or diseases touch it . The openhanded problem nurseryman look is overwatering , nutrient - poor soil , and ill draining stain .
Propagating Fireweed
In tardy summer after the flowers have bunk their course of action , you’re able to collect and briefly store Fireweed seed . If you want to spread more for the following yr , sow seeded player directly into the soil in fall . Fireweed is also known to circularize underground through rhizomes , which can make it a nuisance if you do n’t desire it taking over .
Wildlife attracted by Fireweed
Fireweed is known to pull bee , flies , butterflies , and hummingbirds alongside a number of other native pollinator . It is an excellent flower to plant if you want to attract more pollinators to your chiliad and plunk for your aboriginal pollinators .
