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Description
Physostegia Pulchella, commonly known as the Obedient Plant, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the mint family. It is native to North America and can grow up to 3 feet tall. The plant produces beautiful spikes of pink, purple, or white flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. The Obedient Plant is known for its unique characteristic of maintaining the position of its flowers when moved, hence the name “Obedient.”
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Physostegia |
Appearance
The Obedient Plant has lance-shaped leaves that grow up to 6 inches long and 2 inches wide. Its flowers grow in dense spikes that can reach up to 8 inches long. The flowers are tubular in shape and have two lips, the upper one is hooded and the lower one is three-lobed. The plant’s stems are square-shaped and covered with fine hairs. The Obedient Plant is a fast-growing plant and can spread up to 18 inches wide.
Care Guide
To care for the Obedient Plant, it is important to provide it with the right conditions.Water: The Obedient Plant prefers moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought.Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: The Obedient Plant grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The Obedient Plant prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The Obedient Plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Obedient Plant is generally a disease-resistant plant, but it can occasionally be affected by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. To prevent these pests, make sure to provide the plant with adequate air circulation and avoid overwatering. If the plant is affected by pests, treat it with a mild insecticidal soap.
Habitat
The Obedient Plant is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, meadows, and prairies. It prefers moist soils and can tolerate periods of flooding.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Obedient Plant toxic to pets?
A: No, the Obedient Plant is not toxic to pets.
Q: Can the Obedient Plant be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Obedient Plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s growth.
Q: How do I propagate the Obedient Plant?
A: The Obedient Plant can be propagated through division in spring or fall.
Q: How often should I prune the Obedient Plant?
A: Prune the Obedient Plant in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems.
Related Plants
- Physostegia virginiana
- Monarda fistulosa
- Agastache foeniculum
- Liatris spicata
References
- “Obedient Plant.” University of Illinois Extension, 23 June 2011, https://extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?PlantID=855&PlantTypeID=5.
- “Physostegia Pulchella.” Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287044.
- “Physostegia Pulchella.” Plant Finder, https://www.plantdelights.com/products/physostegia-pulchella.
