How to Grow False Dragonhead (Physostegia Virginiana)

False dragonhead has spikes covered in pink or mauve tiny flowers. It's known as obedient plant because you can twist the stem and the flowers remain pointing in the new direction. It also makes a good cut flower.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bypass Pruners
• Compost Makers
• Fertilizers
• Garden Hoses
• Mulch
• Plants

Choosing False Dragonhead

1. Look for plants at nurseries in spring and summer.

2. Buy false dragonhead in 4-inch to 1-gallon containers.

3. Choose healthy-looking plants with signs of new growth in leaves and flower buds.

Caring for False Dragonhead

1. Cut off old flower stems with bypass pruners.

2. Remove old foliage in spring using bypass pruners to cut off the old stems.

3. Apply a light application of organic fertilizer on top of the soil in early spring; follow package directions.

4. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost in spring.

5. Water well weekly until soil is completely moist in summers with no rainfall.

Planting False Dragonhead

1. Plant false dragonhead in full sun in well-drained soil.

2. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole.

3. Place the plants no deeper than they were growing in the containers.

4. Set the plants 2 feet apart.

5. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost.

6. Water well until soil is completely moist.