Overview
Rhexia spp. is a genus of about 13 species of perennial herbs and subshrubs in the family Melastomataceae, native to eastern North America. Plants form upright clumps 8–36 inches (20–90 cm) tall on four-angled, often bristly stems, spreading by tubers and rhizomes into colonies. Opposite leaves are 0.5–3 inches (1–8 cm) long, with three to five curved lengthwise veins typical of the family, and edges fringed with bristles. Flowers have four broad petals, 0.5–1.5 inches (1.5–4 cm) across, in rose-pink, magenta, or occasionally white, with eight curved yellow anthers. The seed capsule is urn-shaped, like a small pitcher, and persists after the petals drop. Bloom runs through summer, with flowers opening in the morning and dropping by afternoon. Most species grow in wet, acidic, sandy ground such as bogs, pine savannas, and ditch margins. Foliage and stems often flush red in sun and in fall.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, from southern Canada and the eastern United States south to the Gulf Coast and Mexico, with the greatest diversity in the southeastern coastal plain. Grows in bogs, wet pine savannas, seepage slopes, and ditch edges in acidic, sandy, seasonally wet soils from sea level to about 2,500 feet (760 m).Suggested Uses
Grown in bog gardens, rain gardens, pond margins, and native wetland plantings, spaced 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) apart. The wet, acidic soil requirement limits use to consistently moist sites. Plants are used in habitat and pollinator plantings for their summer flowers.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 3'
Width/Spread6" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowering runs through summer, generally June to September, with peak bloom in midsummer. Each flower opens in the morning and drops its petals by afternoon, but plants produce a succession of blooms over 6–10 weeks. Open, sunny, moist sites give the heaviest flowering.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
rose-pink, magenta, to whiteFoliage Description
green, often flushing redGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight