Obedient Plant (Physostegia spp.)


Obedient Plant Plant Features

A quick-growing native perennial, obedient plant gets its name from the fact that the blooms will stay in place if they are moved to a different position. Obedient plant is vigorous and will easily carpet an area with bloom making it a great choice as a groundcover for hard-to-maintain sites. But, because it can become invasive, place obedient plant in a spot where its spread can be controlled. Obedient plant develops tall spikes of pretty trumpet-like pink, purple, or white flowers in the late summer and early fall that cut well for fresh arrangements. The plants grow 18 to 36 inches tall and are relatively deer resistant. Hummingbirds and butterflies will feast from the fragrant flowers.

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Obedient Plant Growing Instructions

Locate obedient plant in a sunny or partially sunny location. This rugged perennial is tolerant of all types of soil, but does best in rich, slightly moist locations. Because obedient plant is an aggressive spreader, place it where you can control its growth.

Obedient plant is not recommended for human or animal consumption.
  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Outside: Part sun

    Outside: Sun

  • Colors

    Pink

    Purple

    White

  • Special Features

    Attracts butterflies

    Attracts hummingbirds

    Deer/rabbit resistant

    Fragrant flowers/foliage

    Groundcover


Complement your Obedient Plant

Aster
Add an extra dose of much-needed fall color to your garden by partnering Aster and Obedient Plant.

Joe Pye Weed
Joe Pye weed and Obedient Plant bloom at the same time and are a good pair to use on an exposed hillside.

Feather Reed Grass
Obedient Plant and Feather Reed Grass work well together.


Our favorite varieties

Crystal Peak White Obedient Plant

Crystal Peak White Obedient Plant

Physostegia ‘Crystal Peak White’

Blooming July through September, this compact white variety grows only 15 inches tall. ‘Crystal Peak White’ is short, sturdy, and upright. Flowers bloom on spikes from bottom to top. Its abundant white flowers are ideal for cottage gardens! Zones 3-9

Miss Manners Obedient Plant

Miss Manners Obedient Plant

Physostegia virginiana 'Miss Manners'

Miss Manners earned its name because this variety is slower growing and doesn't spread as rapidly through the garden as older varieties do. It's also sturdy and compact, making it an excellent cut flowers. It grows 30 inches tall and wide. Zones 3-9

Miss Manners Pink Obedient Plant

Miss Manners Pink Obedient Plant

Physostegia virginiana 'Miss Manners Pink'

This pink form of the tidy variety Miss Manners is like its sister, but instead bears soft pink flowers in summer. It also grows 30 inches tall and wide. Zones 3-9