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obedient plant

Botanical Name:  Physostegia virginiana
Plant Family: Mint family (Lamiaceae)

Description:   Light pink to white flowers on stiff, 2 to 4 ft tall, stiff, square stems.  The common name refers to the habit of the flowers to remin in place temporarily when pushed in any one direction as if hinged.  Quickly forms dense clumps, spreading by rhizome, though cultivars such as the variety 'Miss Manners' are less aggressive.

Growing Conditions: Grows in average to moist soils.  Prefers full sun. Works well in a rain garden or area that experiences occasional flooding.

Bloom Time: Jun - Sep
Bloom Color: Pink to white

Benefit to pollinators/wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds.  Plants of the mint family are generally attractive to a variety of native bees.

Native Status: Native to central and southern US

Location in habitat: Pollinator Demonstration Garden, Bee Monitoring Area (Three cultivars represented)