Species Name: Physostegia virginiana

Common Name: Obedient Plant

Zone: 3 to 9

Light: Full Sun to Light Shade

Soil Moisture: Wet to Moist to Medium

Soil Types: Sand, Loam, Clay

Fertility: Medium to Rich

pH: 5 to 6.8

Bloom Time: August into September

Habit: A vigorous growing perennial reaching a maximum height of around 4 ft in height, taller plants tend to flop over from their own weight.  Obedient plant spreads aggressively by strong rhizome and from abundant seed and can form large colonies and mono-cultures. It flowers prolifically in late summer into fall providing abundant nectar for a variety of pollinators. Flowers are typically bright pink but some populations have white flowers. It combines well with other tall wetland plants such as Joe pye weed, Swamp milkweed, Cutleaf coneflower and Culver’s root providing a longer bloom period and ornamental interest. This not a plant for small spaces so give it room to spread.

It is native to most areas of the eastern US. Obedient plant is perfect for covering any moist to wet site. It can be found growing in moist meadows, roadside ditches and wet woods. It is adaptable to soil types, moisture levels and sun exposure.   As it is in the mint family it tends to be highly deer resistant.

This a great plant for naturalizing in those challenging wet areas and can be easily established from seed. Collect the seed after flowering, strip the seed heads by hand place in a paper bag to dry and then when dry the seed will shake out and be ready for planting.

Obedient Plant in Flower

Close-up of Obedient Plant flowers.