Rhexia virginica, commonly known as Meadow Beauty, is a native perennial wildflower found in wet meadows, bogs, marshes, and along pond margins in parts of Illinois. It thrives in acidic, sandy to peaty soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for naturalized wetland plantings and acidic, moist garden sites.
This delicate yet eye-catching plant typically grows 0.5 to 2.5 feet tall and features square stems with opposite, lance-shaped leaves that are softly hairy. From mid to late summer, it produces striking, four-petaled flowers in shades of pink to lavender, with contrasting bright yellow stamens. The flowers are followed by attractive, urn-shaped seed capsules that persist into fall.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Rhexia virginica is a beautiful and ecologically valuable addition to wetland restorations, rain gardens, and moist, acidic wildflower beds. It attracts native bees and other pollinators, provides visual interest throughout the growing season, and pairs well with companions like Blue Flag, Swamp Milkweed, and Bog Goldenrod in moist, sunny plantings.
Rhexia virginica, commonly known as Meadow Beauty, is a native perennial wildflower found in wet meadows, bogs, marshes, and along pond margins in parts of Illinois. It thrives in acidic, sandy to peaty soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for naturalized wetland plantings and acidic, moist garden sites.
This delicate yet eye-catching plant typically grows 0.5 to 2.5 feet tall and features square stems with opposite, lance-shaped leaves that are softly hairy. From mid to late summer, it produces striking, four-petaled flowers in shades of pink to lavender, with contrasting bright yellow stamens. The flowers are followed by attractive, urn-shaped seed capsules that persist into fall.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Rhexia virginica is a beautiful and ecologically valuable addition to wetland restorations, rain gardens, and moist, acidic wildflower beds. It attracts native bees and other pollinators, provides visual interest throughout the growing season, and pairs well with companions like Blue Flag, Swamp Milkweed, and Bog Goldenrod in moist, sunny plantings.
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