Also known as Obedient Plant · 260 saves
Physostegia
Physostegia, the genus most gardeners know as obedient plant. We track 6 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 6 most-saved Physostegia varieties
Species of Physostegia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Physostegia in Sow
Save the Physostegia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Physostegia
Whats common across all Physostegia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them.
The Physostegia year
- DivideMarch and September100% of varieties
Divide clumps every 2-3 years to control aggressive spread
- DeadheadJuly–September67% of varieties
Remove spent flower spikes to prevent self-seeding and tidy appearance
- Spring CleanupFebruary50% of varieties
Cut back all old, dead stems to the ground before new growth begins
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage rebloom
- Divide every few years to maintain vigor
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t cut back in late fall, wait until early spring
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Refrain from fertilizing with high nitrogen to prevent floppy growth
What goes wrong with Physostegia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled foliage | Spray with water or insecticidal soap |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
Making more Physostegia
Division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring.
- Separate clumps with a sharp knife, taking care to include roots.
- Replant divisions immediately at the same depth.
- Water thoroughly and mulch to retain moisture.
Seeds
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring or fall.
- Lightly press into soil surface and keep moist.
- Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks, depending on conditions.
Physostegia questions
How many types of Physostegia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Physostegia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 260 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Physostegia grow in?
Across its varieties, Physostegia covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Physostegia bloom?
Most Physostegia varieties bloom in mid-summer, late summer to early fall, mid to late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Physostegia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.