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Description
Physostegia Virginiana Alba, commonly known as obedient plant or false dragonhead, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the mint family. It is native to North America and can grow up to 4 feet tall. The plant produces spikes of tubular white flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall, and attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant is named obedient plant because its flowers can be moved into different positions and will remain in that position, as if they are obedient to the gardener.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Physostegia |
Appearance
The Physostegia Virginiana Alba has a bushy and upright growth habit, with lance-shaped green leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. The flowers grow in dense, elongated spikes that can be up to 12 inches long. The flowers are tubular, about an inch long, and pure white in color. They bloom from late summer to early fall, and the plant is known for its ability to hold the flowers in a variety of positions, including straight up or bent down. The plant is also known for its square stems, which are characteristic of the mint family.
Care Guide
To ensure the best growth for the Physostegia Virginiana Alba, it is important to keep the following care tips in mind:Water: The plant prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.Fertilization: The plant requires regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun, but it can tolerate full shade in some regions.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA Zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Physostegia Virginiana Alba is relatively pest and disease resistant, but it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot, which can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
The Physostegia Virginiana Alba is native to North America, and can be found in wet meadows, marshes, and along stream banks. It prefers moist soils and can tolerate partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall can the Physostegia Virginiana Alba grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 4 feet tall.Q: What is the blooming period of the Physostegia Virginiana Alba?
A: The plant blooms from late summer to early fall.Q: What is the pH range of the soil preferred by the Physostegia Virginiana Alba?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.Q: What are the common pests and diseases that can affect the Physostegia Virginiana Alba?
A: The plant can be affected by spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, powdery mildew, and root rot.
Related Plants
Other plants that are related to the Physostegia Virginiana Alba include:- Agastache- Nepeta- Monarda- Salvia
References
– “Physostegia virginiana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b861.- “Physostegia virginiana.” University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. https://www.uaex.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/physostegia-virginiana.aspx.- “Physostegia virginiana.” North Carolina State University Extension. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/physostegia-virginiana/.
