Water
Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Maintain moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Also known as American Dragonhead · False Dragonhead · Obedience
Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana) is a striking North American native perennial with whorls of tubular flowers on upright stems, blooming mid to late summer.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Blooms best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, which may result in fewer flowers.
Consistent moisture
50% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil, but tolerates some dryness once established. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Moist, well-drained soil
50% intensity
Hardy perennial
25% intensity
Thrives in temperate climates and is very cold-hardy. Protect from extreme heat.
Low to moderate
25% intensity
Benefits from a light feeding in spring; excessive fertilizer can reduce flowering.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Maintain moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back stems in late fall or early spring to about 10-15 cm above the ground to promote vigorous new growth.
This also helps prevent overcrowding.
Easily propagated by division in early spring. You can also take stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. Sow seeds indoors in late winter or directly outdoors in spring after the last frost.
This plant benefits from division every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and manage spread. Repot divisions in early spring as new growth emerges. Ensure the new container or planting location has well-draining soil.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)
Where Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Physostegia |
| Species | Physostegia virginiana |
Similar in genus Physostegia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
