Although the name might imply that obedient plant will behave and stay in one place in the garden, this native perennial is anything but tame when it comes to shape, appearance, and vigorous growth. In fact, it can be an aggressive spreader. One of the best features of this plant is its long bloom time, about a full month from late summer into fall. The blossoms are light shades of pink and white, a rarity among the hot, bold colors of fall. The flowers look good in a garden setting and also make good cut flowers.
Obedient Plant Overview
Where to Plant Obedient Plant
It is hard to find a situation where obedient plants won't grow. All it needs is full to partial sun and somewhat moist, slightly acidic soil. In terms of soil quality, the plant is highly adaptable.
Obedient plant is a must in a pollinator or native plant garden that looks especially good in drifts or mass plantings. It is also a good addition to a perennial bed or border. Because obedient spreads aggressively, make sure to keep it in check; otherwise, you may risk losing nearby plants. This rambunctious perennial spreads primarily by underground runners. If spread is a concern, plant in a pot with the bottom removed and set it in the ground. This will help prevent the runners from escaping.
How and When to Plant Obedient Plant
The best planting time is between late summer to mid-fall, which gives the plant time to establish a good root system in cooler weather before it enters dormancy. Dig a hole about twice the diameter of the nursery container and about the same depth. The roots of obedient plant are delicate so be extra gentle when handling them. Place the plant in the hole and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball. Gently tamp down the soil and water it well. Keep the soil evenly moist in the absence of rain until the first strong frosts.
Space plants 3 feet apart, except for compact cultivars which can be spaced about 2 feet apart.
Obedient Plant Care Tips
Obedient plants are easy to grow and require very little maintenance.
Light
Obedient plant performs best in full sun, which produces fuller growth and helps prevent the loss of lower leaves on the stems. Full sun is also best for flower production and provides the most amount of blossoms. While obedient plant tolerates part shade, it will be looser in habit and more prone to flopping.
Soil and Water
Moderately fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture is ideal, as it encourages rapid growth and gives plants plenty of energy to rampage over more timid perennial neighbors. However, the plants also tolerate heavy clay. Overly rich soil prompts floppy growth, causing taller varieties to fall over and require staking. Planting obedient plants in drier soil slows them down a little, which might not be unwelcome. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.3.
Obedient plant thrives in soil that remains consistently moist even in sunny conditions. Water during dry spells but make sure not to overwater it, as that increases the risk of fungal diseases.
Temperature and Humidity
Obedient plants grow in a wide climate range, from subzero winters in Zone 3 to hot summers in Zone 9. They thrive in temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees F and tolerate hot, dry weather well.
Fertilizer
Work a 1-inch layer of compost into the soil around the base of the plant. Any additional fertilization is not recommended and is even detrimental because excess nutrients lead to floppy growth.
Removal
This plant has shallow roots, so it's easy to remove unwanted shoots with the help of a shovel, a hoe, or even your hands. Simply wait for it to sprout, and then get to work removing it.
Pruning
To encourage more branching, a more compact growth, and more blooms, prune stems back to 3 to 4 inches in the early summer.
Deadheading spent blossoms before they set seed is not necessary for aesthetic reasons but to help prevent any potential spread of volunteer seedlings.
In the late fall, after the foliage has died back, cut the flower stalk back to the ground but leave the foliage on the plant as protective mulch. Remove it in the spring to make room for new growth.
Potting and Repotting Obedient Plant
Because of their tendency to spread, planting obedient plant in a container is a good way to contain its growth. Select a container at least 18 inches in diameter and with large drainage holes. Fill it with a combination of well-draining potting mix and compost. Keep in mind that container plants require more frequent watering and fertilization than plants in the landscape.
Although obedient plant is very winter-hardy, containers expose their roots to the cold, which can damage the roots and even lead to plant death. To winterize the pots, insulate them by sinking the container in the ground or by placing in it in a second, larger pot to create a planting silo.
Repot your obedient plant to a larger pot with fresh potting mix when the root system has reached the sides of the container, or the roots grow out of the drainage holes.
Pests and Problems
Obedient plant is generally free of serious pests and diseases. It might attract aphids. In damp, weedy conditions, blackspot fungus might occur. The plant is deer-resistant.
How to Propagate Obedient Plant
Obedient plant is commonly propagated from seed. If you let it go into seed, you might find seedlings in your garden. If they are from a cultivar, they might not have the same desirable traits as the parents.
The seeds require 60 days of cold stratification to germinate. You can either start them in pots outdoors in mid-winter or stratify the seeds in the refrigerator at 33 to 38 degrees F first and then plant them in pots filled with potting mix. Barely cover the seeds with soil, as they need light to germinate, and keep the soil evenly moist all through the growing season. Delay planting them until the weather is cooling down in the late summer or early fall, at which point the seedlings should have developed into strong little plants.
Types of Obedient Plant
'Variegata' Obedient Plant
This variegated selection has green leaves edged in cream that take on a purple coloring once nights begin to cool in the fall. The blooms are bright pink.
'Vivid' Obedient Plant
This compact cultivar grows 1 to 2 feet tall, with strong spikes of vivid purplish pink tubular flowers from midsummer to fall. The square stems carry 5-inch toothed leaves.
‘Crystal Peak’ Obedient Plant
The outstanding feature of this cultivar is its snow-white bloom. The flowers are long-lasting and form an attractive contrast against the deep green foliage. This is a moderately spreading variety that grows only 1 foot tall.
'Miss Manners' Obedient Plant
This variety with white flowers originated as a natural seedling of Physostegia virginiana. It has a compact growth habit and does not spread as widely as others, reaching a little over 2 feet in width.
Obedient Plant Companion Plants
Shasta Daisy
Easy, always fresh, and always eye-catching, Shasta daisy is a longtime favorite. All cultivars produce white daisy flowers in various degrees of doubleness and size. The sturdy stems and long vase life make the flowers unbeatable for cutting. Shasta daisy thrives in well-drained, not overly rich soil. Taller sorts may need staking. Zone 5-9
Daylily
Daylilies are so easy to grow you'll often find them growing in ditches and fields, escapees from gardens. And yet they look so delicate, producing glorious trumpet-shaped blooms in myriad colors. In fact, there are some 50,000 named hybrid cultivars in a range of flower sizes (the minis are very popular), forms, and plant heights. Some are fragrant. The flowers are born on leafless stems. Although each bloom lasts but a single day, superior cultivars carry numerous buds on each scape so bloom time is long, especially if you deadhead daily. The strappy foliage may be evergreen or deciduous. Zone 3-9
Helenium
Long-blooming helenium lights up the late-season garden with showy daisy flowers in brilliant yellows, browns, and mahogany, centered with prominent yellow or brown discs. Many of the best cultivars are hybrids. All are excellent for cutting. Deadhead to extend bloom time, and divide the clumps every couple of years to ensure vigor. Zone 3-9
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where does the name obedient plant come from?The "obedient" part of the name comes from the curious habit the blossoms have of being held on a swivel, allowing the individual flower to rotate around the center stem and remain in place no matter where you turn them. It's a fun plant for kids to play with.
The "obedient" part of the name comes from the curious habit the blossoms have of being held on a swivel, allowing the individual flower to rotate around the center stem and remain in place no matter where you turn them. It's a fun plant for kids to play with.
- Is obedient plant invasive?These perennials are vigorous spreaders that outgrow their allocated space if the spread is not controlled. However, it being a native plant and highly attractive to pollinators, it is not an invasive plant like introduced plant species.
These perennials are vigorous spreaders that outgrow their allocated space if the spread is not controlled. However, it being a native plant and highly attractive to pollinators, it is not an invasive plant like introduced plant species.
- Is obedient plant edible?Although most humans and wildlife will not eat this plant type, it is technically edible. It is sometimes called 'potato bean' because it has walnut-sized tubers that grow along its stem.
Although most humans and wildlife will not eat this plant type, it is technically edible. It is sometimes called 'potato bean' because it has walnut-sized tubers that grow along its stem.
- Is obedient plant attractive to wildlife?Obedient plant attracts many pollinators, including bees, hummingbirds, sphinx moths, and butterflies. In general, it does not appeal to deer or foraging small mammals.
Obedient plant attracts many pollinators, including bees, hummingbirds, sphinx moths, and butterflies. In general, it does not appeal to deer or foraging small mammals.
- What is the lifespan of obedient plant?Since they are perennials, they grow back every year. They should last more than 2 years, with some varieties lasting up to 10 years.
Since they are perennials, they grow back every year. They should last more than 2 years, with some varieties lasting up to 10 years.