Fireweed Plants
Fireweed plants, sometimes called rosebay willowherb, are perennial wildflowers native to parts of North America. They are often found growing in wooded areas, near natural bodies of water and around recently disturbed sites, such as waste sites or roadways. Fireweed is also among the first plants to recur in areas recently damaged by wildfire, hence its common name. Does this Spark an idea?
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Distinguishing Features
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Fireweed is a large plant, sometimes growing to a height of 9 feet. It has light to medium green foliage and long leaves covered in a fine layer of fuzz. Pinkish-purple, upright blooms appear during late spring and continue to open until the end of summer. The blooms are replaced by small seeds with a cottony substance attached to them, which allows them to be easily dispersed by the wind.
Growing Location
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Fireweed plants thrive in direct sunlight but also grow in dappled shade. Soil with good drainage is a must, though the plants appreciate regular moisture. They also survive in slightly dry conditions, though flowering may not be as heavy. Keep in mind that this plant spreads rapidly through both seeds and rhizomes; select a growing site where fireweed won't interfere with other plantings or pull volunteer plants regularly to keep them from taking over the garden.
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Caring for Fireweed
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Fireweed is not a demanding plant and does well with little attention. Mulch around the plants to prevent competition from weeds and minimize moisture evaporation. Regular watering, during dry spells, helps the plants become established; but once healthy roots have formed, supplemental moisture isn't necessary except during extremely dry conditions. Feed the plants in early spring and mid summer with 10-10-10 fertilizer applied at a rate of 2 to 3 lbs. for every 100 square feet of garden space.
Propagation
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Fireweed can be successfully propagated in a variety of ways. The seeds can be sown in the garden during spring and usually sprout in 10 days with no pretreatment. The plants can also be propagated by rooting cuttings taken from healthy plants in spring. The shoots that form at the base of the plants can also be dug out and replanted. Separate the shoots from the parent plant, during fall, for best results.
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References
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