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Description
Physostegia Longisepala, also known as the Obedient Plant or False Dragonhead, is a perennial plant that belongs to the mint family. It is native to North America and is commonly found in moist meadows, streambanks, and open woods. The plant gets its name from the unique characteristic of the flowers, which stay in the position they are moved to, giving it the appearance of being “obedient”.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Physostegia |
Appearance
Physostegia Longisepala grows up to 3 feet tall and has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are up to 5 inches long. The plant produces spikes of tubular flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The flowers are usually pink, but can also be white or purple. The unique characteristic of the flowers is that they stay in the position they are moved to, giving it the appearance of being “obedient”.
Care Guide
Physostegia Longisepala is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Physostegia Longisepala is relatively disease-resistant, but can be susceptible to powdery mildew and spider mites. Common pests that can affect the plant include aphids and whiteflies. To prevent these problems, keep the plant healthy and well-watered, and prune off any affected leaves or branches.
Habitat
Physostegia Longisepala is native to North America and is commonly found in moist meadows, streambanks, and open woods. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Physostegia Longisepala a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, the tubular flowers of Physostegia Longisepala are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
Q: Can Physostegia Longisepala be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as it has enough room to spread out.
Q: When should I prune my Physostegia Longisepala?
A: Prune the plant in the spring before new growth starts to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Q: How do I propagate Physostegia Longisepala?
A: The plant can be propagated by division in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Physostegia virginiana
- Physostegia correllii
- Physostegia intermedia
References
- “Physostegia virginiana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 22 March 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c960>.
- “Physostegia virginiana.” University of Illinois Extension. Accessed 22 March 2021. <https://web.extension.illinois.edu/plantclinic/downloads/planttalk/PlantTalk%20Physostegia.pdf>.
- “Physostegia virginiana.” North Carolina State University Extension. Accessed 22 March 2021. <https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/physostegia-virginiana/>.
