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Physostegia virginiana is often called Obedient Plant, but this common name may be a misnomer - it is a very fast-growing hardy plant that can easily spread in sunny, wet garden spaces. In the right location and conditions, this perennial wildflower can be a fantastic addition to the garden. The flowers bloom pink on stalks up to 4 feet tall and last for weeks, from late July well into fall. Deadheading the spent blooms can also extend this bloom period. This species has deep roots and can be used in rain gardens or other areas in full to part sun that stay consistently moist. It is also a great plant to use in containers.
Although Physostegia virginiana does not support as diverse a range of pollinators as some wildflowers, due to the long, tubular flowers, it is very popular with bumblebees and butterflies in particular. Other bees, beetles, and hummingbirds also feed on nectar and pollen from these plants. Although the stalks die back in winter, the foliage creates a dense layer of leaves that can provide shelter for wildlife, especially in winter.
This plant has naturalized outside of its native range.
Pollinators: bumblebees, sweat bees, yellow-faced bees, butterflies
Host Plant for Butterflies/Moths: Verbena Bud Moth (Endothenia hebesana)
Wildlife Value: Hummingbirds, shelter, winter cover
Deer Resistance: Good
Native Region: Appalachian Mountains, Piedmont
Seed Origin: USA nursery collected seed
Light Recommendation: Full Sun, Part Sun
Soil Moisture Recommendation: Medium-wet, Moist, Medium
USDA Zones: 2-9
States found in our region: AL, GA, KY, MD, NC, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV
Other states found: AR, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, NH, NM, NY, OH, OK, SD, VT, TX, WI
