Physostegia virginiana
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Tried and True Recommended by 2 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: obedient plant
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Lamiaceae
Zone: 3 to 9
Native Range: Central & southern United States and northeastern Mexico
Garden Location: Birch Mahaffey Carpenter Butterfly Pavilion
Height: 3 to 4 feet
Spread: 2 to 3 feet
Bloom Time: June to September
Bloom Color: Pink, White
Bloom Description: Pink, white
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Wildlife: Attracts Hummingbirds
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Deer
Uses: Cut Flower, Rain Garden, Will Naturalize

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. May need staking, especially if grown in soils with high fertility. Prune back in early spring to reduce height and minimize tendency toward floppiness (optional). Spreads and can be aggressive in the garden. Divide every 2-3 years to control growth.

Noteworthy Characteristics

An erect, clump-forming but rhizomatous Missouri native perennial which occurs most often in moist soils on prairies, stream banks, gravel bars and thickets throughout the State. Typically grows 2-4' tall on stiff, square stems and features dense spikes of pinkish, tubular, two-lipped, snapdragon-like flowers which bloom throughout the summer. Blooms from bottom to top on each spike. Narrow, lance-shaped, sharp-toothed leaves (to 4" long). Genus members are commonly called obedient plants because each individual flower will, upon being pushed in any one direction, temporarily remain in the new position as if it were hinged. Sometimes also commonly called false dragonhead because the flowers are suggestive of those of dragonhead (Dracocephalum).

Problems

No serious disease or insect problems. Rust is an occasional problem. Aggressive spreader and tends to flop (see General Culture section above).

Garden Uses

An excellent plant for naturalizing in a wildflower garden, native plant garden, prairie or meadow. Provides color and contrast to the perennial border, but its aggressive spread must be watched. Valued for its late season bloom.

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