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16245 S US Hwy 71
Belton, MO 64012
Tel: (816) 331-9738
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Physostegia virginiana

Obedient Plant

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Physostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant)

This native wildflower is easily grown in average to moist well-drained soil in full sun. Plants form erect clumps and naturalizes in gardens. Stiff, square stems feature dense spikes of pinkish, snapdragon-like flowers which bloom throughout the summer. Blooms from bottom to top on each spike. Leaves are narrow, lance-shaped and sharp-toothed.

Additional Information:
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).


Height
24-48 Inches

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Spread
12-24 Inches

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Bloom/Seasonal Color
Medium Pink


USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
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 invasive in the garden. Divide every 2-3 years to control growth.

Good Companions
Purple Poppy Mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), Tall Larkspur (Delphinium exaltatum)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation

FACW

Root

Rhizomes

Season of Interest

Late (July-frost)
Mid (May-June)

Soil Moisture

Moderate

Sun Exposure

Full Sun

USFS MO Ecological Map