Physostegia virginiana, commonly referred to as obedient plant or false dragonhead, is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Physostegia virginiana is native to all of North America spanning from eastern Canada to northern Mexico. The plant typically grows in clumps with ridged square stems that reach up to 2 to 4 feet tall. The leaves are oppositely arranged, simple, lanceolate shaped, have serrated margins, and are 3 to 6 inches long. Flowers form at the apex where many protrude from cone like stalks. These tips house narrow bell shaped flowers that are white, pink, or purple. Flowers bloom throughout summer. Physostegia virginiana is grown as an ornamental plant for its appealing flowers that resemble snapdragon flowers, hence its common name. The plant enjoys full sun to partial shade in well draining soil with a fair amount of organic matter. The plant is also known to be a bog plant and can withstand waterlogged soil with an acidic pH. Plants can tolerate slightly alkaline soil as well. Water adequately whenever soil appears dry. USDA plant hardiness zone 3a-10b.
Physostegia virginiana seeds require a cold stratification pretreatment. This may be achieved by leaving seeds in a small amount of moist, but not soaking wet, sterilized peat moss or sand inside a refrigerator for 1 month. After this period, press seeds gently in potting mixture, being careful not to plant too deep. Sown seeds require consistent moisture and humidity but soil should not be soaking wet. Soil should be moist and well draining with a slightly acidic pH, ranging from 5.5-6.5. Keep soil moist but not soaking wet. 60°F to 75°F is the ideal temperature range to store sown pots in. Germination typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to occur. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic.
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