Physostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant)
$8.00
Out of stock
Size: 3-4’ tall / 2-3’ wide
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Average-Moist, Well-Drained
Bloom Time: Late Summer
Deer Resistance: 4.5/5
Ecotype: Unknown
Obedient Plant is a beautiful and aggressive perennial. Like other members of the mint family, it spreads quickly via rhizomes to fill a space. This makes it ideal for larger spaces that need to be filled, but use caution if you're considering this for a smaller bed. However, the roots are shallow, so if and when the time comes to reign it in, it can be done without too much difficulty. Plant Obedient Plant with other aggressive spreaders, like Mountain Mints or Bee Balms, and they will intermix, making a rich planting with multi-season interest.
It is happiest in slightly moist, well-drained soils, in full to part sun, though it is adaptable to slightly drier soils as well. Planting this in less than ideal conditions may be a strategy to keep its vigorous nature in check.
The flowers bloom from late summer into early fall and are adored by pollinators, including hummingbirds, and it serves as a larval host plant for the Henry's Elfin butterfly. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant, though may browse the flowers if food is scarce.