Why is it called obedient plant?

If you push a flower to the side, it will stay in that position for a short time.

Does it spread aggressively?

Yes, it spreads via underground rhizomes and may need containment.

Plant guide

Obedient plant.

Physostegia virginiana

Pronounced fy-so-STEE-jee-uh ver-jin-ee-AY-nuh

Also known as False Dragonhead, Obedience, Obedient Plant, Obedient-plant, Virginia false dragonhead

The obedient plant is a charming perennial that gets its name from the way its flowers stay in place when you push them. It produces lovely spikes of pink or white blooms in late summer. This plant is a fantastic choice if you want to attract pollinators to your garden.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 3 to 4 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 9
Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist because this plant loves water. Watch for spreading as it can be quite aggressive in the garden. If the stems start to flop over, you can pinch them back in early summer to encourage sturdier growth.

Watering: Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer once in the spring as new growth appears.
Pruning: Cut the plant back to the ground after the first hard frost in autumn.
Repotting: Divide the root clumps every couple of years to keep the plant healthy and contained.
Soil: Moist, fertile, well draining soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -35 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: There are no reports of significant toxicity to humans.
Children: The plant is generally safe, but children should be discouraged from eating any garden flowers.
Contact allergens: No specific skin irritation is associated with this plant.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may cause mild reactions in sensitive individuals during peak bloom.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and should not be consumed.

How to identify it

Square stems typical of mint family
Spikes of tubular snapdragon like flowers
Lance shaped leaves with serrated edges
Flowers remain positioned when pushed

Height: 0.6 to 1.2m
Spread: 0.45 to 0.6m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: pink, lavender, white, 2 to 3cm

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
RustCommon
Leaf SpotUncommon
Powdery MildewUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: spring, fall
Overwintering: Cut the stems back to the ground after the first hard frost. Apply a light layer of mulch if you live in a region with very cold, drying winter winds.
In containers: It grows well in large pots, but ensure the container is at least 30 cm wide to accommodate its spreading roots.

Division

1. Dig up the clump in early spring.
2. Use a sharp spade to divide the root mass into smaller sections.
3. Replant the divisions immediately in moist soil.

Plant in a contained area or with other aggressive growers to prevent it from crowding out smaller neighbors.

Grows well with

Purple Coneflower · They share similar moisture needs and provide a nice color contrast.
Joe Pye Weed · This tall companion creates a beautiful backdrop for the obedient plant.

Similar species

False Dragonhead · This is often used as a synonym for the species.

Science

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Physostegia
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Eastern and central North America.
Conservation: It is secure across its native range and not of conservation concern.

It thrives in moist meadows and along stream banks where it can spread through its rhizomatous root system.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Uses: pollinator gardens, perennial borders, cut flowers

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why is it called obedient plant?: If you push a flower to the side, it will stay in that position for a short time.
Does it spread aggressively?: Yes, it spreads via underground rhizomes and may need containment.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Physostegia comes from Greek words for bladder and covering, referring to the inflated calyx. The species name virginiana indicates its discovery in the Virginia region.

Good to know

The flowers are arranged in four vertical rows along the spike.
It is a vigorous spreader that can colonize large areas.
It is a member of the mint family but lacks the characteristic square stem scent.

Keep your obedient plant growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.