Marsh Willowherb Plant Care
Epilobium palustre L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Epilobium palustre is a species of willowherb known by the common name marsh willowherb. This plant has a circumboreal distribution, and can be found further south in mountainous areas.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Marsh Willowherb?
Water Marsh Willowherb every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Marsh Willowherb?
Marsh Willowherb (Epilobium palustre) belongs to the Onagraceae family within the Epilobium genus.
Marsh Willowherb displays an upright, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Marsh Willowherb produces showy spikes of pink, purple, or white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Marsh Willowherb?
Epilobium palustre requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Marsh Willowherb Need?
Marsh Willowherb thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Marsh Willowherb Prefer?
Epilobium palustre grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Marsh Willowherb prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Marsh Willowherb?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Marsh Willowherb to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Marsh Willowherb?
Feed Marsh Willowherb every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Marsh Willowherb?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Marsh Willowherb?
Marsh Willowherb can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to american willowherb plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Marsh Willowherb Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Marsh Willowherb, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Marsh Willowherb?
Marsh Willowherb is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf miners. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Marsh Willowherb Need?
Marsh Willowherb grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Marsh Willowherb as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Marsh Willowherb is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Epilobium genus — compare its care with other Epilobium species on PlantoScan.
Epilobium is part of the Onagraceae plant family — browse all Onagraceae genera and species.
Marsh Willowherb thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Epilobium Species
Other Epilobium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Epilobium palustre L., family Onagraceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 348 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Marsh Willowherb, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Marsh Willowherb Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species