By Jane21
North Yorkshire,
United Kingdom 
Plant identification please.
I haven't the faintest idea what this is. I lifted it from a bed at the front, it seemed like it came from a garden centre, as it had a neat root ball (like it had been in a pot). It's about the healthiest thing in the garden and I have a horrid feeling it's a weed. Can anyone tell me what it is. Thanks Jx
The weed has now gone, but before it did, i cut the flowering bits off and put them to good use as you can see from the bottom picture. The rose is Princess Alexandra from D. Austin.
10 Jul, 2012
Answers
Will try! There have up dated pics.
10 Jul, 2012
I'm pretty certain it is a very common weed which self seeds everywhere. I can't bring its name to mind though.
10 Jul, 2012
I wondered rose bay willow herb.
10 Jul, 2012
You have done a wonderful job of looking after it Jane but it is definately a weed - but a healthy weed!!
10 Jul, 2012
I think you are right Jane, enjoy it but dont let it seed!
10 Jul, 2012
I think Hairy Willow Herb (Epilobium hirsutum) Jane. Still a weed.
10 Jul, 2012
The better news is that it pulls up easily!
10 Jul, 2012
Thank goodness OJ, as I get my share lol.
10 Jul, 2012
It will be an ex weed by the end of the day. Rain or no rain. Had a horrid feeling it was. Just can't think how such a clump came to be in the front bed. lol
Thanks all for your help. Jx
10 Jul, 2012
Birds and animals or the wind Jane. I dont always notice them till they are quite big.
10 Jul, 2012
Told you a close up would help.
10 Jul, 2012
It's similat to rosebay willow herb but I'm fairly sure it isn't that.
10 Jul, 2012
Bulbaholic suggested Hairy Willow Herb, which I guess is related to the Rose Bay variety. Either way, it's on its way out! Jx
10 Jul, 2012
No it's not a herb, because I wouldn't have put it in the front flower bed. I have to admit, I've yanked it up, and removed it. I found a clump of rosebay willow herb down the field and you are right Anchorman, it isn't that. My plant has a sort of hairy stem and fleshier leaves. Stamen are pale. Having googled it, I think Bulbaholic might be right. It does look like Great Willowherb.
10 Jul, 2012
I think I know, but a closer view of leaves and the flower would help.
10 Jul, 2012