PerennialsPhysostegia virginiana
Obedient Plant
The Obedient Plant earns its name from the unique ability of individual flowers to be pushed to any position on the spike, where they stay put. From July to September, the plant produces dense spikes of pink or white tubular flowers. A vigorous grower that spreads by underground runners.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 60–120 cm
- Spread
- 40–90 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 3–9
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- pink, white
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in sun or partial shade in ordinary, moisture-retentive garden soil. Obedient Plant is undemanding but grows best in fertile, slightly moist ground. Note: the plant spreads readily via rhizomes — contain growth with a root barrier or by dividing annually.
Pruning tips
Cut stems back to ground level after flowering. Fresh foliage emerges from the rootstock in spring. Remove unwanted runners to keep the plant within bounds.
Good companions
PerennialsEchinacea purpurea
Purple Coneflower
Purple Coneflower is a sturdy perennial with distinctive pink-purple petals surrounding an orange-brown cone. The flowers appear from July to September and are a magnet for butterflies and bees. In autumn and winter, the seed heads attract goldfinches and other seed-eating birds.
PerennialsRudbeckia fulgida
Black-eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susan blooms from July through October with radiant golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center. The plant is virtually indestructible, spreads gradually, and suits large borders and prairie-style gardens. After flowering, the seed heads provide food for birds.
PerennialsPhlox paniculata
Garden Phlox
Garden Phlox is a stately border plant with large, dome-shaped flower clusters in pink, purple, or white. The blooms release a sweet fragrance and appear from July to September. Phlox is indispensable in the classic cottage garden.