Skip to content
Log inStart trial

False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant

Physostegia Virginiana

Design with this plant

Overview

False Dragonhead, or Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana), is a robust perennial reaching 2-4 feet in height. Valued for its showy spires of pink to lavender tubular flowers, it blooms from late summer to fall. Thriving in zones 3-9, it prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Despite its name, it can spread aggressively, so consider root barriers for containment. Provides vibrant vertical interest and attracts pollinators.

Sun Full, Half, ShadeWater Low, MediumZones 3–9Type PerennialClimate Temperate
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — approximately 1 inch in length; it thrives in full to partial sun exposure and prefers, image 56

Culture

Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Water
Low, Medium
USDA zones
3–9

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Perennial
Family
Lamiaceae
Climate
Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (117)

False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — Thriving in zones 3-9, it prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil; valued
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — is a robust perennial reaching 2-4 feet in height; ranging in color from soft pink to, image 68
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — perennial with pink blooms; approximately 1 inch in length
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — Valued for its showy spires of pink to lavender tubular flowers, it blooms from late, image 47
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — ranging in color from soft pink to vivid lavender; this North American native, growing, image 77
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — although it can tolerate periods of drought once established
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — When integrating it into a garden theme
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — or Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — the Obedient Plant can spread eagerly via rhizomes; provides vibrant vertical interest and attracts
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — Despite its name, it can spread aggressively, so consider root barriers for, image 49
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — Valued for its showy spires of pink to lavender tubular flowers, it blooms from late, image 91
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — It thrives in full to partial sun exposure and prefers moist; with peak blooming in, image 59
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — with peak blooming in August; fondly referred to as the False Dragonhead or Obedient, image 80
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — ranging in color from soft pink to vivid lavender; this North American native, growing, image 55
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — perennial for full or half or shade
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — supporting pollinators such as bees; creating an extended floral display from July to, image 62
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — Its linear-lanceolate leaves stretch up to 5 inches long; although it can tolerate periods of
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — is a robust perennial reaching 2-4 feet in height; ranging in color from soft pink to vivid lavender
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — emanating from square stems typical of the mint family; or Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — It thrives in full to partial sun exposure and prefers moist; with peak blooming in, image 81
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — creating an extended floral display from July to September
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — although it can tolerate periods of drought once established; perennial with pink blooms, image 60
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — Despite its name, it can spread aggressively, so consider root barriers for, image 93
False Dragonhead, Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana) — although it can tolerate periods of drought once established; perennial with pink blooms, image 82
Photographs by 15 contributors

Related plants

African Blue Basil (Ocimum Basilicum 'African Blue') — is a perennial hybrid basil with a robust growth habit

Herb

African Blue Basil

Ocimum Basilicum 'African Blue'

FullUSDA 8–10
Alpine Mint Bush (Prostanthera Cuneata) — shrub for full or half or shade

Shrub

Alpine Mint Bush

Prostanthera Cuneata

FullUSDA 8–10
Amazel Basil® Sweet Italian Basil (Ocimum basilicum) — The Ocimum is a vigorous sweet Italian basil with glossy green

Amazel Basil® Sweet Italian Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Full
Anise- Scented Sage (Salvia Guaranitica) — Deadheading spent flowers can promote continuous blooming

Perennial

Anise- Scented Sage

Salvia Guaranitica

FullUSDA 9–10
Anne Greenway Dead Nettle (Lamium Maculatum 'Anne Greenway') — is a vibrant and low-maintenance perennial perfect for brightening up shaded areas in the

Ground cover

Anne Greenway Dead Nettle

Lamium Maculatum 'Anne Greenway'

HalfUSDA 3–8
Annual Lion's Ear (Leonotis Nepetifolia) — bright orange blooms resembling a lion's mane

Annual

Annual Lion's Ear

Leonotis Nepetifolia

FullUSDA 8–10