Species River Beauty
purple-pink flowers with red-brown stems and green leaves

River Beauty

Chamaenerion latifolium

River Beauty (Chamaenerion latifolium) is an easily identified native North American wildflower. Growing to 1-2 feet high, its leaves can grow up to 6 inches long and produce plant stalks that are dark pink or purple in color. Its flowers are pinkish-white and bloom from summer to fall, casting a soft pink-hued glow near water sources. A tough and hardy wildflower, River Beauty can handle a variety of soil types, from loam to clay and tolerate periods of drought. Its root system helps protect shorelines from erosion, making it an important plant for restoring riverbanks.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,yellow,purple

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

River Beauty plants prefer evenly moist soil, so it's best to keep their soil consistently damp. Water River Beauties once every 5–7 days during the growing season, making sure to wet the entire soil profile. Allow the upper inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Reduce watering frequency to 1–2 times a month in winter when plants are dormant. On hot summer days, mist foliage with water to help keep the plants cool and hydrated.

sunlight

River Beauty plants require full sun to partial shade. They prefer 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day for best growth, with at least some indirect sunlight throughout the rest of the day. Direct sunlight should be avoided when temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can cause damage to tender River Beauty foliage. River Beauty should be grown in a space that receives 6-8 hours of sunlight, with some areas of partial shade, throughout the day to ensure healthy growth.

pruning

River Beauty (Chamaenerion latifolium) should be pruned in the late spring or early summer, as soon as it has finished flowering. When pruning, be sure to cut back any dead or diseased stems, as well as any weak growth. It is best to focus on maintaining the overall shape of the shrub while also thinning out any overly dense areas. This will help promote air circulation and promote healthy new growth. River Beauty should only be pruned lightly, so avoid cutting back too drastically. In most cases, it is best to limit pruning to the removal of secondary shoots and the thinning of branches.