| Common Name | Obedient Plant, False Dragonhead |
| Genus | Physostegia |
| Species | P. virginiana |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Life Cycle | Herbaceous perennial; spreads vigorously by rhizomes. |
| Format | 32-cell plug tray |
| Plug Care | Harden off and transplant plugs immediately after arrival, do not plant too deeply (keep at the same level as plug tray). Firm soil around the plug and water deeply. Keep soil moist during establishment - these plants tolerate moderate drought once settled. |
| Netting / Staking | Not typically needed as stems support blooms well. In exposed sites, staking or netting may help prevent flopping. |
| Temperature Range | Hardy throughout USDA Zones 3-9 |
| Spacing | Space plugs 18-24″ apart to allow for adequate airflow between plants. After a few years of growth the plants will all merge via underground rhizome to create one solid row. |
| Soil Preference | Thrives in moist, fertile soil with good drainage; tolerates clay or loam. |
| Day Length | Long-day plant. Full sun to partial shade. Flowering is most abundant under sun, but partial shade is beneficial in hotter climates. |
| Pinching | Not necessary. Consider pinching new spring shoots or dividing rhizomes to maintain shape and vigor. |
| When to Plant | Ideal transplant time is mid-spring to early fall, allowing time for establishment before dormancy. |
| Harvesting | Cut spikes when lower blooms open and upper buds are just beginning, typically late summer. Early morning harvest improves vase life |
| Post Harvest Care | Cut stems should be placed immediately into a bucket of clean, cool water. Leave in a cooler, or somewhere cool and dark to rehydrate before use. The use of a floral preservative will maximize vase life which can be expected to be around 7 days. |
| Diseases / Insects | Low disease pressure; monitor for typical plant pests like powdery mildew, slugs, aphids, and spider mites. Deer generally avoid them |
| Bailey's Notes | Obedient Plants form bold, tall stems (2-4 ft) densely lined with tubular blooms - excellent for late summer cut-flower production. The name comes from the blooms’ unusual flexibility; they stay 'obeyed' when repositioned, a unique feature that will be appreciated by designers. It does have quite vigorous rhizomatous spread, so divide every 2–3 years to maintain vigor and contain expansion. Great for adding height, texture, and pollinator appeal to bouquets and field plantings. |
| Resources | N/A |