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Pink flower spikes of Obedient Plant in a late-summer borderPerennials

Physostegia virginiana

Obedient Plant

obedient plantlate-summer bloomerbee-friendlycut flowerspreading

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.

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Before
After

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

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

Pink-purple coneflower with orange-brown cone in a sunny borderPerennials

Echinacea 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.

Full sunLow60–120 cm
Golden-yellow Black-eyed Susan with dark brown center in a sunny borderPerennials

Rudbeckia 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.

Full sunLow60–90 cm
Pink flower clusters of garden phlox in a summer borderPerennials

Phlox 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.

Full sunMedium60–120 cm