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Description
Rhexia Virginica, commonly known as Meadow Beauty, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Melastomataceae family. It is native to the eastern United States and can be found in wetland habitats such as bogs, marshes, wet meadows, and swamps. The plant has a smooth stem that can grow up to 60 cm tall and produces bright pink, four-petaled flowers that bloom from June to September.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Melastomataceae |
| Genus | Rhexia |
Appearance
The leaves of Rhexia Virginica are arranged oppositely on the stem and are elliptical or lance-shaped, with a smooth margin and a pointed tip. The flowers are about 2.5 cm in diameter and are a bright pink color, with four petals that are slightly fringed at the edges. The plant blooms from June to September and produces a small, dry seed capsule that splits open to release small, black seeds.
Care Guide
Rhexia Virginica prefers moist soil that is rich in organic matter and drains well. It also prefers full sun to light shade and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and again in mid-summer. The plant does not require pruning except for the removal of dead or damaged stems.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rhexia Virginica is generally free of pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet or poorly drained. To prevent this, ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering the plant.
Habitat
Rhexia Virginica is native to the eastern United States and can be found in wetland habitats such as bogs, marshes, wet meadows, and swamps. It can also be found in upland habitats such as pine barrens, savannas, and sandhills.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Rhexia Virginica a good plant for wetland restoration projects?
A: Yes, Rhexia Virginica is a good plant for wetland restoration projects as it is native to wetland habitats and can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
Q: Can Rhexia Virginica be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Rhexia Virginica can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant and the soil is kept consistently moist.
Q: Is Rhexia Virginica a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Rhexia Virginica is a good plant for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies with its bright pink flowers.
Q: Can Rhexia Virginica be propagated by cuttings?
A: Yes, Rhexia Virginica can be propagated by cuttings taken from the stem in the summer.
Related Plants
- Rhexia Mariana
- Rhexia Lutea
- Rhexia Alifanus
References
- “Rhexia virginica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c361.
- “Rhexia virginica.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=RHVI.
- “Rhexia virginica.” NC State Extension, content.ces.ncsu.edu/rhexia-virginica.
