Rhexia alifanus

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Herbaceous Perennial

A tall, upright wildflower, native to Southeast USA, to around 120cm in height, with smooth, waxy, blue-green foliage. Bright purple-pink to magenta flowers with curved yellow stamens appear on smooth, square, unbranched reddish-green stems from July through to September

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Melastomataceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, Columnar upright
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
SE USA to Texas

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in consistently moist, acidic, sandy soil in full sun. Avoid waterlogging

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown indoors in late winter. Press lightly rather and covering the seeds as they require light to germinate. Propagate by stem cuttings during spring and summer. Needs moisture and high humidity for success

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required. Cut back to ground level in early spring when new growth appears

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to root rot