Overview
Physostegia virginiana is a perennial in the genus Physostegia, part of the Q53476 family. Physostegia virginiana grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and meadow gardens. It is native to North America.
About
Physostegia virginiana is a perennial known for its stems of tubular flowers that often stay where they are pushed, which gave rise to the common name obedient plant. Native to North America, it produces spikes of pink blooms from July to September. It tolerates full sun or partial shade and a wide range of soils when kept reasonably moist. Garden uses include borders, cut flowers and meadow-style plantings.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Physostegia virginiana
About the genus
Physostegia, the lionshearts or false dragonheads, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae, native to North America. They are erect rhizomatous herbaceous perennials inhabiting damp, sunny places.
In the garden
Physostegia virginiana is a perennial native to North America that flowers from July to September, producing upright spikes of pink tubular blooms. The common name obedient plant refers to the tendency of individual blooms to remain in the position they are pushed, a handy trait when arranging cut stems. Plant where it will receive full sun or partial shade and in loamy, sandy or clay soils; the species accepts acidic, neutral and alkaline pH. It prefers soils that are moist but well drained rather than persistently waterlogged. In UK terms it holds the H5 hardiness rating (hardy), so it tolerates typical winter conditions across much of the country. Use Physostegia virginiana in mixed borders to extend summer colour, in meadow-style schemes for late-summer structure, or grown for cutting where long flower spikes are required. Stems are produced through July to September, making it useful for late-summer vase work, and the blooms’ ability to stay in place simplifies arranging of individual spikes.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Physostegia
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- loamy, sandy, clay
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist,well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Physostegia virginiana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, cut flowers, meadow gardens
- Native to
- North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Physostegia virginiana
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, fertile soil; can tolerate some drought once established; may spread aggressively
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
- Propagation
- division,seed,cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Physostegia virginiana?
Prefers moist, fertile soil; can tolerate some drought once established; may spread aggressively.
Where is the best place to plant Physostegia virginiana?
Physostegia virginiana prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Physostegia virginiana need?
Physostegia virginiana is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loamy, sandy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Physostegia virginiana?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Physostegia virginiana hardy in the UK?
Physostegia virginiana has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Physostegia virginiana?
Division,seed,cuttings.
More in the Physostegia genus
- Physostegia 'Summer Snow'
- Physostegia 'Vivid'
- Physostegia virginiana speciosa 'Rose Bouquet'Obedient Plant
- Physostegia 'Alba'White Obedient Plant