Obedient Plant
physostegia virginiana
Also known as: ["False Dragonhead","Obedience Plant"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to North America, known for its spikes of pink or white flowers that remain in place when moved, hence the name 'Obedient Plant'.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Physostegia |
| Botanical Name: | Physostegia virginiana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden beds or borders in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; tolerates average garden soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead flowers as they fade; cut back foliage annually in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only spent flowers and damaged foliage unless rejuvenation is needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure adequate air circulation to prevent mildew in shady conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
Soil
moist, rich, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not waterlogged; amend with organic matter for fertility; test pH if issues arise.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–9; prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates heat and cold once established.
Protect from frost in early spring; water early to avoid heat stress; ensure good air circulation in warm weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize once in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength if used; avoid fertilizing in late fall.
Propagation
Methods
Division or stem cuttings; division is the most reliable method for mature plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots and shoots.
- Cut stems below a node, remove lower leaves, and plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or fall for division; summer for stem cuttings.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions for cuttings; partial shade for division recovery.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix or garden soil for division; moist perlite or sand for stem cuttings.
Hormone
Optional for stem cuttings; rooting hormone can improve success rates.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 3–6 weeks, mature plant in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife or spade, clean containers, rooting hormone (optional), misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Divide every 2–3 years to maintain vigor; take cuttings in the morning for best results; keep cuttings out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flower spikes just above a leaf node; cut back foliage to ground level if overgrown or diseased.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage reblooming; cut back foliage in late fall or early spring to maintain shape and vigor.
Tools
Hand pruners, clean shears, gloves.
Checklist
Clean tools before use; prune dead or damaged growth; remove spent flowers; cut back to desired shape.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or extreme weather.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; for division, replant divisions at the same depth as they were growing.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, and place in shade for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot container-grown plants every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; division is often preferred over repotting for ground-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh, well-draining soil; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; provide shade for recovery.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in extreme heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in prolonged cold; mold growth in humid conditions.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows or halts; roots can be damaged in poorly drained soil during freeze-thaw cycles.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in fall; avoid overwatering before freezes; protect in containers by moving to sheltered locations.
Hot Stress
Wilting despite moist soil; flower buds may drop; leaves may scorch or develop brown edges.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; water deeply and mulch to retain soil moisture; increase humidity with misting if indoors.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid over-fertilization; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPhysostegia virginiana is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant when ingested by cats.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPhysostegia virginiana is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant when ingested by dogs.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPhysostegia virginiana, commonly known as obedient plant, is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies.
Q: How do I propagate Obedient Plant?
A: It can be propagated by division in early spring or by seeds sown in fall or early spring.
Q: Does the Obedient Plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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