Obedient Plant Physostegia virginiana 'Vivid'
ABOUT
The Physostegia virginiana 'Vivid', more commonly known as the obedient plant 'Vivid', is a striking perennial known for its distinctive flowering spikes. The flowers are a brilliant, vivid pink that commands attention in the landscape. These blossoms are tubular in shape, adding an elegant touch to the plant's overall appearance. They densely cluster along each spike, creating a lush, full look. The petals are arranged in such a way that they give the impression of a snapdragon, a feature that adds to the visual interest of the obedient plant 'Vivid'. The foliage is bright green, forming a crisp backdrop that makes the pink flowers truly pop. Each leaf is lance-shaped and has a slightly toothed margin, contributing to the plant's textured appearance. The stems of the obedient plant 'Vivid' are upright, holding the flowers aloft so they can make a strong visual impact. Even when not in bloom, the foliage maintains a tidy and attractive form that keeps the garden looking good throughout the growing season. Moreover, the characteristic of the flowers to remain in place when moved, which is how the common name "obedient plant" was coined, makes it a playful addition to any garden. The overall look of the obedient plant 'Vivid' is one of controlled exuberance, with its bright flowers standing out against the lush leaves, making it a favored plant for gardeners who want to add a splash of color in their borders or flower arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Obedient Plant, False Dragonhead, Obedience
Common names
Dracocephalum virginianum, Physostegia speciosa, Physostegia denticulata.
ToxicityTo humans
Obedient plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingestion of this plant, and it is not listed as a hazard by major health organizations. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause mild stomach upset or dermatological reactions in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Obedient plant is not known to be toxic to pets. It does not appear on the toxic plant lists provided by major animal health organizations like the ASPCA. Ingestion of the plant should not cause significant illness in pets. However, individual animals may have varying sensitivities, and eating non-food plants can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea simply due to the ingestion of non-digestible material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Physostegia virginiana 'Vivid', commonly known as Obedient Plant, attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, thereby supporting pollination in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: It is known for being easy to cultivate in a variety of soil types, making it accessible for gardeners of various experience levels.
- Long Blooming Period: This variety typically has a long blooming period from late summer to early fall, adding color to the garden when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is resistant to browsing by deer, which can be particularly beneficial in areas where deer predation is a problem for gardeners.
- Hummingbird Attractant: Its tubular flowers are favored by hummingbirds, thus adding an element of wildlife interest to the garden or landscape.
- Tolerates Wet Soil: Obedient Plant can tolerate moist conditions, making it suitable for planting in wetter areas of the garden or near water features.
- Cut Flower Use: Its spikes of showy flowers make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Provides Structural Interest: The vertical form and structure of the plant can provide visual interest and contrast in garden beds and borders.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it exhibits some drought tolerance, which can be particularly beneficial in drier climates or during periods of low rainfall.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Obedient plant's upright growth habit can be used to create vertical accents in floral arrangements, adding depth and dimension to bouquets and centerpieces.
- The fresh or dried stalks of the Obedient plant can be used in the construction of natural fences or garden borders, providing both aesthetic appeal and functionality.
- As an educational tool, its curious common name and unique flower structure can be used to teach children about plant morphology and pollination strategies.
- With its ability to grow in various conditions, the Obedient plant can be utilized in erosion control projects, stabilizing soil on slopes or banks.
- Its sturdy stems can be harvested and used as natural stakes for other, less stable plants in the garden.
- Obedient plant’s vibrant flowers can be a natural dye source, potentially imparting colors to fabrics or artworks.
- The plant can be strategically placed in a garden to draw in pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and increasing biodiversity.
- Because of its attractiveness to hummingbirds, the Obedient plant can be integrated into hummingbird gardens specifically designed to attract these birds.
- Its long blooming period and generous seed production can provide opportunities for seed harvesting and sharing among gardeners, fostering community interaction.
- When planted in mass, the Obedient plant can serve as a visual barrier or privacy screen in residential gardens or public spaces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Obedient Plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Obedient Plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Obedience: The common name of Physostegia virginiana 'Vivid' is "Obedient Plant". The symbolism stems from the plant's unique floral characteristic where individual flowers, once moved from their original position, remain in the new position as if 'obeying' the gardener's touch.
- Flexibility: This aspect of the Obedient Plant represents adaptability and versatility, suggesting that it can thrive and look beautiful even when manipulated or changed.
WaterThe Obedient Plant should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time to encourage deep root growth. During hot or dry spells, increase watering frequency to twice per week ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. If grown in containers, they may require more frequent watering. Always check the top couple inches of soil for dryness before watering.
LightObedient Plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would be an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can also perform well with some afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates.
TemperatureObedient Plant can tolerate a wide temperature range, but grows best when daytime temperatures are between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune the Obedient Plant to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming. At the end of the growing season, cut the stems back to about 2 inches above the ground. This can be done after the first frost in fall or in early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilObedient plant ('Vivid') thrives in a well-draining soil mixed with organic matter such as compost or peat moss. A balanced loam is ideal, ensuring good moisture retention while preventing waterlogging. The best soil pH for the Obedient plant is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingObedient plant ('Vivid') typically does not need frequent repotting as it is a perennial that can be divided rather than repotted. Division can take place every 2-3 years in early spring or fall to manage growth and invasiveness.
Humidity & MistingObedient plant ('Vivid') is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions but prefers moderate humidity typical of outdoor environments. Protection from excessively dry air may be necessary if grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade with moist soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleObedient Plant 'Vivid' (Physostegia virginiana 'Vivid') begins its lifecycle in spring as it breaks dormancy with emerging shoots from its rhizome system. As temperatures increase, these shoots rapidly grow into upright stems with lance-shaped leaves, setting the stage for summer blooming. During mid to late summer, the plant displays spikes of bright pink flowers which are unique for their ability to be repositioned and hold their place, hence the name "obedient." After pollination, typically by bees and hummingbirds, the flowers produce seeds that mature by fall. The plant then begins to senesce as the weather cools, with its above-ground foliage dying back and leaving the rhizomes dormant under the soil through the winter. This perennial cycle repeats annually as the rhizomes regrow into new plants the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Obedient Plant, or Physostegia virginiana 'Vivid', is division. This is best done in the spring as new growth begins to appear. To divide the plant, one should dig up the entire clump and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy amount of roots. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into well-prepared soil, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow adequate room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This approach is favored for its simplicity and the rapid establishment of new plants, which often bloom in the first season after division.
