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

obedient plant

Physostegia virginiana 'Crystal Peak White'

Obedient Plant, also known as the False Dragonhead, is a beautiful white-flowering species of Physostegia from the mint family. It is a tall, clump-forming perennial with dark green foliage that is native to the US and Canada. The ‘Crystal Peak White’ variety forms a mounded flower spike with two-lipped white blooms that have bright yellow throats. They are a favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees! Obedient Plants are adaptable to many soil conditions and bloom from late summer to early autumn. They can handle periods of drought and their flowers can be bent and posed, giving them their interesting name.

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,white

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana 'Crystal Peak White') needs regular watering to stay healthy and flower profusely. During the growing season, water the obedient plant when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. To avoid root rot, let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering to once a month during the cooler months of fall and winter when the plant is less actively growing. During periods of extreme heat, water twice a week or more as needed.

sunlight

The obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana 'Crystal Peak White') prefers full sun to partial shade. When grown in full sunlight, these plants will produce vibrant blooms and lush foliage. In shady locations, they may struggle and produce fewer blooms. For best results, provide this plant with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in an area with long, hot summers, provide some afternoon shade to avoid scorching the leaves. Wherever possible, these plants should be placed in areas where they will receive the full heat of the sun during the morning and early afternoon hours.

pruning

Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana 'Crystal Peak White') should be pruned back once the flowers begin to fade in the early summer. Cut the stems back to just above the closest pair of leaves at their bases. This will encourage the plant to put out fresh foliage and may even trigger a second bloom in the fall. Be sure to sterilize your pruning shears and loppers with rubbing alcohol before each use to prevent transmitting any disease or fungi. Removing the spent flower stems and dead foliage from the center of the plant can also help promote airflow and prevent fungal issues in the summer months.

Season

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

The Physostegia virginiana 'Crystal Peak White' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

The Physostegia virginiana 'Crystal Peak White' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map