wetland wildflower
Virginia meadowbeauty
Rhexia virginica
Also known as Handsome-harry, Virginia Meadow Beauty, Meadow-beauty, handsome Harry
1 of 2Native to much of the USA and southern Canada
Nova Scotia to New York and Wisconsin, south to northern Florida and Texas
- Light Partial shade Sun tolerance
- Moisture Wet Moisture preference
- Zones 4–9 Cold to heat range
- Bloom Jun–Sep Flowering time
- Height up to 3 ft to 0.9 m
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A wetland wildflower for partial shade and wet soil. Its pink and purple flowers peak in August. At up to 3 ft, it suits rain gardens, pond edges, and damp low spots. Hardy in USDA zones 4–9.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
Hardiness zones
Find your zone:
When it blooms
The Virginia meadowbeauty's pink and purple flowers bloom June to September, peaking in August. This late-summer display draws bees and butterflies.
Virginia meadowbeauty blooms pink & purpleFoliage
Pollinators & wildlife
- Bees Common Eastern Bumble Bee
- Butterflies Pearl Crescent
Butterflies that use this plant
Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.
- Pearl crescentnectar
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WetlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- Much of the USA and southern CanadaUnited States (33): AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV. Canada (2): NS, ON. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Nova Scotia to New York and Wisconsin, south to northern Florida and TexasThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Partial shadeHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Moisture
- WetThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9 · Canadian 4–7The cold-to-heat climate range it survives.
- Soil
- Wet peat or sandy, acid soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.
- Soil texture
- Light to medium (sandy to loamy)The soil grade it prefers, from sand to clay.
- Soil pH
- Acid to neutralThe acidity to alkalinity it tolerates (7 is neutral).
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 3 ft (to 0.9 m)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Jun–SepWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- Pink, PurpleThe bloom color, or colors.
- Fruit/Seeds
- ripens Jul–OctThe seed or fruit it sets after flowering.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.