Physostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant)

Physostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant) is an upright herbaceous perennial boasting dense spikes of pink to pale lilac tubular flowers from mid-late summer to fall. Blooming from the bottom to the top on each spike, the showy blossoms are attentively visited by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They rise on stiff, square stems clad with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. If the flowers are bent, they tend to stay in the new position for a while, hence the common name Obedient Plant. Physostegia virginiana runs by underground rhizomes to form an extensive colony in moist, rich soils. It is a better choice for wild gardens, prairies and meadows than for perennial borders.

• Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). Spreads aggressively by shallow rhizomes and self-seeding, but is easy to pull out and control.
• Easily grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates wet soils and some part shade (plant will flop in too much shade). Plants are not fussy as to soil but perform better in acid pH.
• Great for beds and borders, cottage gardens, rain gardens or prairies.
• Virtually disease and pest free. Keep an eye out for aphids and spider mites. Deer resistant.
• Propagate by division in winter or early spring before new growth starts. Propagate by seed in fall or in spring after damp stratification
• Native through much of temperate eastern North America.
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