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The Obedient Plant: Complete Guide and Care Tips
Gardening can be a fulfilling hobby for anyone who wants to connect with nature, get some exercise, and enjoy the beauty of plants. One plant that can add variety, interest, and color to your garden is the obedient plant. This perennial flowering herbaceous plant is known for its unique trait of staying put wherever you place it in your garden or flower bed.
What is an Obedient Plant?
The obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana) belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae), which includes many culinary herbs such as basil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. It is native to North America and prefers moist soils in full sun or partial shade.
The name “obedient” comes from the fact that its flowers stay in whichever position you place them; if you push one down gently with a finger, it will stay there instead of springing back up like most other plants would. This makes it perfect for flower arrangements or for adding height variation to your garden beds.
How To Grow Obedient Plants
- Sowing seeds: You can start obedient plants from seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost or outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
- Transplanting: Choose a location where they will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day and soil that drains well. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set it into place so that its crown (where roots meet stem) rests at ground level.
- Fertilizing: Use compost or slow-release fertilizer once every year in early spring when new growth appears above ground level
- Watering: Obedient plants require moderate watering. Once a week if it’s dry, make sure to water the soil and not the foliage.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plant. This helps retain moisture in the soil and reduces weed growth.
Caring for Your Obedient Plant
Obedient plants are relatively low maintenance, but there are some things you can do to keep them healthy and looking beautiful throughout their growing season:
- Deadheading: To encourage more blooming, snip off spent flowers at the base of their stems as soon as they start to fade or turn brown.
- Pest control: Although obedient plants are generally pest-free, you may occasionally need to deal with aphids or spider mites. Treat these pests with insecticidal soap spray or neem oil solution according to package directions.
- Disease management:Obedient plants can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. If you notice white powder on leaves, treat with fungicide spray that targets powdery mildew fungus per label instructions./li>
Varieties Of The Obedient Plant
The obedient plant is available in several attractive varieties that differ in flower color and size. Some popular cultivars include:
- “Summer Snow” – White flower spikes up to 3 feet tall; blooms July-September
- “Vivid” – Pinkish-purple flowers on stems up to 4 feet tall; blooms August-October
- “Miss Manners” – Pink-colored flowers on stems up to 3 feet tall; blooms August-October
- “Crystal Peak White” – Pure white flowers on stems up to 3 feet tall; blooms July-August
Conclusion
The obedient plant is a unique and beautiful addition to any garden. From its distinctive trait of staying put wherever you place it, to the variety of cultivars available, this plant is sure to add interest and color throughout its growing season. With proper care and maintenance, your obedient plants can thrive for years in your garden.
