Physostegia virginiana

Obedient plant is a native perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family.  In the wild, they can be found in wet meadows, barrens and glades, seepages in open woods, damp thickets, among other sites. It does grow in open upland forests as long as the soil is quite high in pH. Uncommon to infrequent in the NC mountains. The common name "obedient" comes from the ability of the flowers on the stalk to be twisted into any position by hand, where they will remain "obediently". 

Obedient plants grow best in moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil and sun to part sun.  They can be propagated by seed or by the division of roots in the spring or fall. It can be aggressive in rich, moist soils, so gardeners should divide clumps every year or two to keep plants contained. Pulling out plants that are invading other parts of the garden is easy to do because the roots are shallow.

This easy-to-grow plant forms clumps quickly up to 4 feet tall and three feet wide with green-toothed margin leaves.  Showy flowers are pale purple to rose appearing on tall spikes which bloom starting from the bottom and working up to the top of the spike.  Obedient plant provides a long season of cheery color in the garden from mid-summer until the first frost.

A great choice for a meadow or native garden as it is visited by bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.  This plant is resistant to browsing by deer.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems:  Aphids are occasional pests. Susceptible to blackspot fungal disease.  It can be weedy, especially in damp soils.  Stems may flop in rich soils, shade, or hot temperatures, so staking of taller plants may be necessary.