Lamiaceae
Obedient Plant: Fast Growing
Physostegia virginiana
Thrives best in a sunny or partially shaded location with consistently moist soil. In rich, well-aerated soil, it spreads rapidly via its rhizomes, so division every 1-2 years is recommended. Taller varieties may flop easily, so staking is suggested in rich soil or windy conditions. It is a low-maintenance plant, relatively resistant to diseases.
Every 4 days
Bright indirect
15° - 27°C
% - %
Categories
What is Obedient Plant?
Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana) is a easy-care plant from the Lamiaceae family. Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana) is a hardy, rhizomatous perennial from the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to moist meadows, stream banks, and prairies of North America. Its square stems bear spikes of pink, white, or purplish, dragonhead-like flowers from July to October. It gets its name f...
Obedient Plant grows up to 1.2m, spread of 90cm, watering every 4 days, 15°C – 27°C. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Obedient Plant tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Obedient Plant is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Obedient Plant?
TLDR: Obedient Plant needs Bright indirect, watering every 4 days, and temperatures between 15-27°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Obedient Plant?
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season – it dislikes dry soil. Potted plants require increased attention to watering.
How Much Light Does Obedient Plant Need?
Blooms most profusely in full sun, but in warmer climates, afternoon shade helps prevent wilting and stem breakage. It also grows well in partial shade, though it spreads more slowly.
What Is the Best Soil for Obedient Plant?
Prefers rich, moist, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6-8). It can grow in clay, loam, or sandy soil, as long as it doesn't dry out completely.
What Pot Should You Use for Obedient Plant?
A large pot with good drainage is recommended because the rhizomes spread quickly; for waterside planting, container restriction is suggested to control its spread.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 60 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Obedient Plant and Where Does It Come From?
Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana) is a hardy, rhizomatous perennial from the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to moist meadows, stream banks, and prairies of North America. Its square stems bear spikes of pink, white, or purplish, dragonhead-like flowers from July to October. It gets its name from the fact that individual flowers, when manually moved, will temporarily hold their new position, as if obeying. It spreads quickly, forming dense clumps, so it's advisable to thin it out occasionally in the garden by division.
How Big Does Obedient Plant Grow?
TLDR: Obedient Plant can reach up to 1.2m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
1.2m
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Obedient Plant?
TLDR: Obedient Plant is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Rust
Rust is a common fungal disease caused by fungi in the order Pucciniales that affects a wide variety of plants. The disease gets its name from the characteristic orange, yellow, or reddish-brown pustules that appear on leaves, resembling metal rust. This obligate fungal parasite requires living plants to survive and can cause significant economic losses in agricultural crops.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Meaning & Symbolism
The Obedient Plant symbolizes balance, flexibility, and inner peace – its flowers, when manually moved, hold their new position, indicating a combination of strength and adaptability.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
