Physostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant or False Dragonhead) is a herbaceous perennial plant. Obedient Plant can grow up to 1.2m (4 feet) tall. The flowers are on swivels that can be bent right or left on the stem, giving rise to the common name. The plants bloom in late July to October. Plants spread by way of rhizomes forming large spreading colonies, especially in moisture retentive soils. The flowers are light purple-pink but white flowering plants are not uncommon.It is native to most of the United States, except for the Pacific Coast states. There are two recognized subspecies: Physostegia virginiana ssp. praemorsa (Shinners) Cantino and Physostegia virginiana ssp. virginiana (L.) Benth.

Cultivation

Easy to grow, but may become invasive. The florets remain in a new position if bent resulting in the common name of Obedient Plant. Grows in most soils and in sun or partial shade. Frequent division in fall or spring may be necessary if spreading.
Cultivars include:

• 'Alba' - White flowers.
• 'Crown of Snow' - White flowers
• 'Pink Bouquet' - Rose pink flowers
• 'Rosea' - Pink flowers.
• 'Rosy Spire' - Lavender-pink flowers.
• 'Summer Snow' - Pure white flowers.
• 'Variegata' - Pink flowers, leaves green variegated with white
• 'Vivid' - Bright pink flowers.

External links

• ITIS report Physostegia virginiana (L.) Benth.
• Floridata: Physostegia virginiana.