Obedient Flower (Physostegia virginiana)

PLANT INFORMATION

Plant Size: Quart

Name: Obedient plant – Physostegia virginiana

Type: Perennial Flower

Growth Characteristics   Obedient plant variety “vivid” can grow 1 to 2 feet tall; smaller than the native species; and spreads 12-18 inches. Showy flowers are pink to rose appearing on tall spikes which bloom starting from the bottom and working up to the top.  Obedient plant provides a long season of bright color from mid-summer until the first frost. Plant 1-3 feet apart. Is easy to maintain and a fast grower.  It can be aggressive in rich, moist soils, so clumps should be divided every year or two to keep plants contained.

Hardiness: Climate zone 3-9

Light Requirements: Prefers full to mostly sunny locations

Water Needs:  Keep moist in the summer for the first year until established; then water needs are less.

Soil Preference:  Obedient plants prefer moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soils that are not acidic.

DISEASE, PEST AND DEER RESISTANCE

Resistant to deer.  Aphids are occasional pests. Susceptible to blackspot fungal disease.

SITE CONSIDERATIONS

Use in all types of gardens, as a border, small groups or a mass planting.  The tall stems may need support in partial shade locations. Can be grown in containers.

Value to Wildlife and Insects

It is visited by bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.

ADDITIONAL FACTS UNIQUE TO THE SPECIES (IF ANY)

The common name “obedient” comes from the ability of the flowers on the stalk to be twisted into any position by hand, where they will remain “obediently”.