Species obedient plant
cluster of small, white, tubular flowers with green stems, and green, shiny leaves

obedient plant

Physostegia virginiana 'Alba'

The obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana 'Alba') is an herbaceous perennial native to North America. It is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance plant that is known for its remarkable ability to remain in the position in which its flower spikes are bent or pushed. Its leaves are lanceolate and the plant produces spikes of white flowers that bloom from early summer to the end of fall. The obedient plant is a great addition to flower beds or mixed borders and blooms best in full sun to partial shade. This hardy plant is deer and rabbit resistant, making it an ideal choice for wildlife gardens.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

The obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana 'Alba') needs regular (but not excessive) watering. Water the plant once or twice a week in the early morning or late evening and check the soil to ensure it isn't getting too dry in between. Make sure the soil is not saturated and never allow water to stand too long around the roots; otherwise, the plant may suffer from root rot. If the plant dries out, it may be necessary to water it more often. However, it's better to water a little less and not oversaturate the soil than the opposite. Apply a liberal amount of water in order to get the ground adequately moistened, but not drenched. Consider using a slow release fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.

sunlight

The obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana 'Alba') is a robust perennial species which is best grown in bright sun to partial shade. This plant does well in a variety of light levels, however, it flowers best when grown in full sun. To keep this plant healthy and vigorous, it is important to provide 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. When planted in a shadier location, the height of obedient plant may be reduced as its flower spires raise up from the foliage.

pruning

For an obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana 'Alba'), pruning should take place once a year in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed. This plant is a fast-growing perennial and can become unruly, so pruning should focus on controlling the size and shape, as well as encouraging healthy, balanced growth. Stalks should be cut back by around 1-third of their length, so that the plant is shaped and kept to a desired size. If necessary, you can also thin out the plant to ensure better air circulation. While pruning, it is important to take care to avoid the development of weak or disease-prone stems. Finally, any damaged or dead growth should be completely removed to encourage further healthy growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Obedient plant typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Starts Flowering

Obedient plant typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Hardiness Map