Obedient Plant

Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana) is a native perennial found in parts of the Ridge and Valley, especially in wet meadows, streambanks, damp thickets and open woodlands. Its tall spikes of pink to lavender flowers bloom from mid summer into fall, attracting bumblebees, hummingbirds and other pollinators. Its unusual name comes from the flowers themselves, which stay in place when gently moved!

Planting & Care

Plant in full sun to partial shade with medium to moist soil. Obedient Plant tolerates clay and occasionally wet conditions, making it a great choice for rain gardens and moist meadows. Water regularly while establishing, but expect little maintenance once established. Despite its name, this plant isn't particularly obedient in the garden! It spreads readily through underground rhizomes and can form large colonies, so it's best suited for larger plantings where it has room to grow.