The Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana) is a perennial wildflower native to eastern North America, particularly found in Wisconsin. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.
This plant features terminal spikes of pink-lavender tubular flowers blooming from August through October. Each long-lasting flower has five triangular lobes—two forming an upward lip and three forming a lower lip. Notably, if the flowers are bent, they will remain in that position for a while, which is the origin of the name "obedient plant." Although the flowers have no noticeable scent, they produce copious amounts of nectar and pollen. They make excellent cut flowers. The plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, and it serves as a host plant for the larvae of the Henry's Elfin butterfly (Callophrys henrici).
Obedient plants prefer full sun or partial shade and typically reach a mature height of 3-4 feet, with a spread of 2-3 feet. They thrive in humus-rich soil but can tolerate some gravel and clay. These plants prefer moist soil but can also endure periods of drought.
The leaves and stems of the plant are erect with square, unbranched stems. The lanceolate leaves are 4-6 inches long, opposite each other, and have widely spaced teeth with sharp points. Each flower produces seed heads containing four sharply angled brown seeds. The root system consists of a taproot and a rhizome
Companion plants for the Obedient Plant include goldenrod, echinacea, and heliopsis. Seeds best propagate this plant, and it is resistant to deer and rabbits.
To maintain healthy growth, divide the plants every 2-3 years in the spring when they begin to emerge. Dig up and transplant the rhizomes.
Historically, Native Americans utilized various parts of this plant for medicinal purposes, including treating stomach ailments and skin conditions.
The Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana) is a perennial wildflower native to eastern North America, particularly found in Wisconsin. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.
This plant features terminal spikes of pink-lavender tubular flowers blooming from August through October. Each long-lasting flower has five triangular lobes—two forming an upward lip and three forming a lower lip. Notably, if the flowers are bent, they will remain in that position for a while, which is the origin of the name "obedient plant." Although the flowers have no noticeable scent, they produce copious amounts of nectar and pollen. They make excellent cut flowers. The plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, and it serves as a host plant for the larvae of the Henry's Elfin butterfly (Callophrys henrici).
Obedient plants prefer full sun or partial shade and typically reach a mature height of 3-4 feet, with a spread of 2-3 feet. They thrive in humus-rich soil but can tolerate some gravel and clay. These plants prefer moist soil but can also endure periods of drought.
The leaves and stems of the plant are erect with square, unbranched stems. The lanceolate leaves are 4-6 inches long, opposite each other, and have widely spaced teeth with sharp points. Each flower produces seed heads containing four sharply angled brown seeds. The root system consists of a taproot and a rhizome
Companion plants for the Obedient Plant include goldenrod, echinacea, and heliopsis. Seeds best propagate this plant, and it is resistant to deer and rabbits.
To maintain healthy growth, divide the plants every 2-3 years in the spring when they begin to emerge. Dig up and transplant the rhizomes.
Historically, Native Americans utilized various parts of this plant for medicinal purposes, including treating stomach ailments and skin conditions.
