Handsome Harry
Rhexia virginica
- Native to:
- Canada, United States, Virgin Islands
Mason Brock ( Masebrock (en.wikipedia.org) )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Melastomataceae
- Genus:
- Rhexia
- Species:
- Rhexia virginica
- USDA Symbol:
- RHVI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
common eupithecia (Eupithecia miserulata), Tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Fall Color:
- red
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, acidic, sandy or peaty soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- often found in bogs and wet meadows
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 30-60 days; surface sow on moist medium.
Pre-treatment: None required
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
- Vermont Wildflower Farm (nursery and seeds)