Scientific Name
Physostegia virginiana
Common Name
Obedient plant

Characteristics

Season
late summer to early fall
Height
36-48 inches
Hardiness
USDA Hardiness Zone 2-9
Flower Color
pink
Soil
well drained, moderately fertile soil
Exposure
full sun to partial shade
Propagation
division in spring, seed
North Carolina Regions
Mountains, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Comments
Obedient plant gets its name from the ability of the flowers on the stalk to be twisted into any position, where they will remain. It can be invasive in rich, moist soils, so gardeners should divide clumps every year or so to keep plants contained, and pull out plants invading other parts of the garden.
Origin
Eastern North America, North Carolina

Prepared by: orginally by Alice B. Russell, retired Extension Specialist, NC State University
                     maintained and expanded by Erv Evans, Consumer Horticulturist, NC State University

Images: ©Alice B. Russell and Erv Evans

Return to Consumer Horticulture | Plant Fact Sheets | Perennial Flowers