The Story
Plant Bio
Physostegia virginiana, obedient plant, is an erect clumping perennial native to eastern North America, reaching three to four feet. Dense spikes of tubular, lipped flowers in pink, lavender or white open from late summer into autumn, above sharply toothed lance-shaped leaves on distinctly square stems. It spreads steadily by underground runners.
The common name comes from the flowers: push one sideways on its spike and it stays where it is put, which is a reliable way to identify it. Less obediently, the plant itself runs vigorously in moist rich soil and will crowd gentler neighbours, so it suits naturalised planting better than a tightly composed border.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
42 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate to high
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Plant in spring in moist, well-drained soil.
- Choose full sun to partial shade.
- Allow room for spread, or plant where running is welcome.
- Water through dry spells to keep the foliage in good condition.
- Lift and divide every two or three years to control the clump.
- Cut spent stems back in late winter rather than autumn.
Pro Tip
Plant it somewhere it can run, or plan to divide every couple of years; in rich moist soil it will outpace its neighbours.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Give it moist soil and full sun ☀️
- Divide every two or three years to keep it in bounds ✂️
- Use it in meadow and naturalised planting 🌱
- Cut it for the vase; it lasts well 💐
Don't
- Plant it among delicate perennials it can swamp ❌
- Let it dry out; the lower leaves brown quickly ❌
- Feed it richly, which makes it both floppy and more invasive ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Obedient Plant questions
What zones can Obedient Plant grow in?
Obedient Plant is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Obedient Plant deer resistant?
Yes — Obedient Plant is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Obedient Plant bloom?
Obedient Plant typically blooms in late summer to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Obedient Plant need full sun?
Obedient Plant does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Physostegia to compare
Obedient Plant Miss Manners
Physostegia virginiana 'Miss Manners'
Obedient Plant Pink Manners
Physostegia virginiana 'Pink Manners'
Summer Snow Obedient Plant
Physostegia virginiana 'Summer Snow'
Variegated Obedient Plant
Physostegia virginiana 'Variegata'
Correll's Obedient Plant
Physostegia correllii
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Obedient Plant with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.