How to Grow an Obedient Plant
Its name really doesn't describe this late summer bloomer at all. The obedient plant is an ornamental perennial with light blue blooms that resemble snapdragons. But, the plant can become invasive when provided with optimal growing conditions. Treat it with benign neglect, and the home gardener is rewarded with a well-behaved garden favorite. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Identify a planting site. The obedient plant prefers a location that receives full sun or partial shade.
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Prepare the planting hole. Dig a hole the same depth at which the plant was growing in the container and twice the width. If planting more than one obedient plant, space them a minimum of 24 inches apart.
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3
Unpot the plant. Most specimens will be purchased in containers. To remove the plant for planting, gently tap the pot on the ground to loosen the roots. Carefully ease the obedient plant from the container and inspect the roots. If they appear to be growing in a circular pattern, carefully loosen them so they can spread out in the planting hole.
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4
Position the plant. Place the transplant in the planting hole and water well. Backfill the original soil into the planting hole and water again. Transplants should receive a regular watering until established.
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Mulch the planting area if desired. In the case of the obedient plant, mulching is for cosmetic purposes and to prevent weeds.
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Tips & Warnings
The obedient plant can be planted in either spring or fall and divided any time during the growing season. It is hardy in Zones 4 through 8.
The obedient grows in a neat clump and has tall spikes of purple flowers 2 to 3 feet tall that bloom in late summer. It is also known as "false dragonhead" because the blooms resemble the snapdragon.
Plant the obedient plant as a specimen in a solitary location or at the back of the perennial flower bed. Companion with trellised sweet autumn clematis or other late summer bloomers.
Cut back the obedient plant in early summer to keep it from growing too tall. This perennial has interesting seedheads that add to the winter landscape.
The obedient plant's scientific name is "physostegia virginiana."
The obedient plant prefers to grow in moist, well-drained soil. Under those conditions the perennial will spread its clump rapidly through runners and can be invasive. Plant in drier, less fertile soil to keep it under control.
