Obedient Plant Miss Manners
Physostegia virginiana 'Miss Manners'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Physostegia virginiana, commonly known as obedient plant, is a perennial with upright stems, lance-shaped leaves, and tubular flowers that bloom in spikes of pink or white, attracting pollinators throughout the summer. The cultivar 'Miss Manners' is distinguished by its well-behaved, clump-forming habit, unlike the aggressively spreading species. It produces elegant spikes of pure white, snapdragon-like flowers.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny location with well-draining soil.
- Tuck seeds or divisions into prepared soil, spacing 18 inches apart.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
- Water consistently during the first growing season to establish roots.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall to promote vigor.
Pro Tip
Plant in full sun for best flowering and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Divide every 3-4 years for healthy growth
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Refrain from planting in poorly drained soils
- Don’t ignore pest signs
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
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 Miss Manners questions
What zones can Obedient Plant Miss Manners grow in?
Obedient Plant Miss Manners 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 Miss Manners deer resistant?
Yes — Obedient Plant Miss Manners is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Obedient Plant Miss Manners bloom?
Obedient Plant Miss Manners typically blooms in mid-summer 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 Miss Manners need full sun?
Obedient Plant Miss Manners does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Physostegia to compare
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
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