Rain Garden Plants: Obedient Plant

Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana) is a member of the mint family. It spreads aggressively by stolons (runners), but roots are easy to pull out and control. Lance-shaped leaves have toothed margins and grow opposite each other on the stem. Tall spikes of showy, pale-purple to pink flowers provide a long period of color. Taller plants may need to be staked. Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators.

Height: 36 inches
Bloom color: White, pink, purple
Bloom time: August–October
Hardiness zone: 3 to 9
Salt tolerance: Moderate
Spreading habit: Spreads aggressively in moist sites, spreads by rhizomes, forms clumps

Site Conditions

Sun: Sun/partial shade
Soil: Humus-rich, well-drained soil
Hydrologic zone: Moist/dry, saturated, tolerates drought and poor drainage

Sources

Illinois Wildflowers

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

North Carolina Extension

Prepared by Jodi Sulpizio, Jessican Chou, and Constance Schmotzer.