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Obedient Plant

Name: Obedient Plant
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMENCES
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Common name Obedient Plant

Latin name Physostegia virginiana

Quantity per packet Minimum 150 seeds

This native perennial actively supports biodiversity by providing nectar and pollen for many weeks. Its dense root system also helps stabilize moist soils in ecological landscapes.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameObedient Plant

Latin namePhysostegia virginiana

FamilyLamiaceae

TypeNative perennial

CyclePerennial

Quantity per packMinimum 150 seeds

Product
description

Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana) is an elegant native perennial known for its long pale pink to rosy-purple flower spikes that bring height, color, and structure to late-summer gardens. Its extended bloom period, from July through October, attracts a wide diversity of bees, butterflies, and occasionally hummingbirds, making it an outstanding plant for pollinator gardens. Its upright habit and tubular flowers create a natural, highly ornamental effect in perennial borders, riparian plantings, and prairie-style landscapes. Hardy and well adapted to Canadian climates, this perennial returns reliably each year with an increasingly generous presence.

Obedient Plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and rich, organic, cool to moist loamy or clay soil. It especially appreciates sites where soil moisture remains consistent, such as rain gardens, pond edges, and riparian areas. Once established, Physostegia virginiana requires little maintenance, though it benefits from compost in spring and watering during hot periods. Its rhizomatous growth allows it to gradually form attractive colonies, making it useful for naturalizing areas and stabilizing moist soils.

In the garden, Obedient Plant pairs beautifully with Spotted Joe-Pye Weed, Blue Vervain, Cardinal Flower, and Northern Blue Flag Iris to create lush, biodiversity-rich plantings. Its floral spikes add structure to mixed borders while extending ornamental interest into autumn. It can also be grown in large containers as long as the growing medium remains cool and fertile. With its long-lasting bloom, strong pollinator value, and excellent adaptation to moist soils, Physostegia virginiana is a superb choice for ecological and naturalistic gardens throughout Canada.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodAutumn or spring after cold stratification

Best time

Autumn or spring

Sowing depth5 mm (0.2 in)

Spacing / density

45 to 75 cm (18 to 30 in)

Germination temperature18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F)

Germination time7 to 15 days

Propagation

Propagate by seed, rhizome division, or separation of young shoots in spring. Division is the fastest way to produce identical new plants.

Growing
method

Sow Obedient Plant seeds in autumn or spring after a short period of cold stratification to improve germination. Cover the seeds lightly with about 5 mm (0.2 in) of fine growing medium and maintain consistent moisture until seedlings emerge. This perennial thrives in rich, organic soil and full sun to partial shade. Young plants establish quickly in sites where the soil remains cool throughout summer. Once mature, they gradually spread by rhizomes, making them excellent for naturalization, rain gardens, and stabilizing moist soils.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun to partial shade

Soil

Rich, loamy to clay, cool to moist soil

Soil pH6.0 to 7.5

Watering

Keep the soil consistently cool to moist throughout the growing season. Regular watering promotes heavier flowering and improves tolerance to summer heat.

Fertilization

A light application of compost or a balanced organic amendment each spring is generally sufficient. Excess nitrogen encourages foliage growth at the expense of flowering.

Care levelModerate

In spring, apply a layer of compost and remove the previous year's dry stems. During summer, water regularly during hot periods to keep the soil consistently moist. Deadheading spent flower spikes can prolong blooming. In autumn, leave some stems standing to support wildlife and collect seed if desired. Divide mature colonies every few years to maintain vigor and control their spread.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in)

Obedient Plant performs very well in large containers when grown in rich, consistently moist growing media. Use a pot at least 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) in diameter with excellent drainage and enrich the soil with compost to encourage abundant flowering. This perennial quickly forms an attractive clump that adds height and elegance to patios and balconies. Regular watering is essential during warm weather because the plant prefers evenly moist soil. Even in containers, it attracts numerous pollinators throughout the growing season.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Its tall flower spikes provide spectacular long-lasting blooms while attracting abundant pollinators. This hardy native perennial also performs exceptionally well in moist soils and naturalistic landscapes.

This native perennial actively supports biodiversity by providing nectar and pollen for many weeks. Its dense root system also helps stabilize moist soils in ecological landscapes.

Garden use

Obedient Plant is perfect for pollinator gardens, rain gardens, riparian plantings, and naturalized landscapes. Its upright flower spikes provide strong architectural interest while attracting beneficial insects and hummingbirds. It combines beautifully with Joe-Pye Weeds, Blue Vervains, Cardinal Flowers, and other native perennials. Its ability to gradually form colonies also makes it an excellent choice for naturalization and moist soil stabilization.

Bloom period

July to October

Flower colorPale pink to rosy purple

Foliage colorDark green

Harvest

August to October

Fruiting

Seed capsules containing numerous small seeds

Wildlife appealBees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Size
and facts

Height60 to 100 cm (24 to 39 in)

Spread45 to 75 cm (18 to 30 in)

Growth rateModerate

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 3–8

Minimum temperature-40°C (-40°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Colibristrue

Papillonstrue

Insectes utilestrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Spotted Joe-Pye Weed, Blue Vervain, Cardinal Flower, Northern Blue Flag Iris

Avoid planting with

Lavender, Cotton Lavender, Rockrose, Sedum

Recipe
and inspiration

Obedient Plant is not generally grown for culinary use but is highly valued for its ornamental and ecological qualities. Its long flower spikes are excellent for fresh and dried floral arrangements, while its extended bloom period makes it a key nectar source in pollinator gardens. Its greatest value lies in creating beautiful, wildlife-friendly landscapes that support biodiversity.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Obedient Plant seeds? +

Obedient Plant seeds can be sown outdoors in autumn or in spring after a short period of cold stratification. This treatment generally improves both germination speed and uniformity.

Does Obedient Plant attract pollinators? +

Yes. Its nectar-rich flowers attract a remarkable diversity of bees, butterflies, and occasionally hummingbirds, making it an excellent plant for supporting pollinators.

Can Obedient Plant grow in moist soil? +

Yes. This species thrives in cool to moist soils and is particularly well suited to rain gardens, riparian buffers, and other consistently moist sites.

Does Obedient Plant spread aggressively? +

Obedient Plant spreads gradually by rhizomes under favorable conditions. Dividing mature clumps every few years easily controls its spread while producing new plants.

How do I care for Obedient Plant? +

Cut back the stems in autumn or early spring, apply compost annually, and water regularly during dry periods. These simple steps encourage vigorous growth and prolonged flowering.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.