Physostegia virginiana aka Obedience

Taxonomy

Physostegia virginiana, also known as obedient plant, obedience or false dragonhead, is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, and is native to North America, ranging from eastern Canada to northern Mexico. The plant is named for its ability to maintain a position if its flower is pushed to one side. It was once part of the Dracocephalum genus, which is where the name "false dragonhead" comes from. The plant has long, ovate, serrated leaves that are not particularly remarkable during non-flowering seasons, although some varieties may turn red in the fall. Flowers in white, pink, and lavender colors form along spikes in four vertical rows and bloom from the bottom up. While the obedient plant can spread throughout a garden, individual plants tend to grow in clumps. The flower stalks can be moved and will stay bent in their new position. Large plants may require staking, and mature plants may thin out in the center and take on an open, floppy form, indicating that it is time to divide them. Obedient plants grow best in moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil and prefer sun to partial sun. They can be propagated through seed or division of roots in the spring.

Common names

Obedience, Obedient Plant, False Dragonhead

How to care for Obedience

Difficulty

Obedience presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Obedience should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Obedience loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Obedience thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your False Dragonhead.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Growth-pattern

Obedience grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.


More info:
Wikipedia