Overview of Physostegia Pulchella Lundell
Physostegia Pulchella Lundell, also known as the beautiful false dragonhead, is a herbaceous perennial plant species that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the southeastern regions of the United States, mainly Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
Common Names of Physostegia Pulchella Lundell
The plant has various common names, including beautiful false dragonhead, handsome false dragonhead, false dragonhead, and Obedient plant. The name "Obedient plant" is attributed to its unique trait of staying in place when pushed gently, giving the impression of being obedient to the touch.
General Appearance of Physostegia Pulchella Lundell
The plant has an upright stem that grows up to three feet tall, forming a dense clump of foliage as it matures. The leaves are lance-shaped, dark green, and tinged with purple, growing up to five inches long and two inches wide. The flowers are tubular, occurring in terminal spikes during the summer months with shades of pink, lavender, and white coloring. The flowers are known to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Uses of Physostegia Pulchella Lundell
Physostegia Pulchella Lundell is a beautiful ornamental plant that is suitable for a wide range of garden styles, including mixed borders, rock gardens, and woodland gardens. The plant's tender young leaves are also edible, and they can be added to salads or soups. In traditional medicine, the plant's root extract was used to treat various ailments, including fever, gastrointestinal problems, and respiratory ailments.
Light Requirements
Physostegia pulchella Lundell grows best under partial shade or full sunlight, but it can tolerate some shade. The plant prefers to receive at least six hours of sunlight every day. If the plant is grown indoors, it will require bright, indirect sunlight or artificial light sources that mimic natural light.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Physostegia pulchella Lundell growth is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can withstand temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but it cannot survive freezing conditions. High temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit may cause the leaves to wilt, so it is important to ensure adequate moisture and shade during excessively hot temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil with organic matter. A soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is optimal for the growth of Physostegia pulchella Lundell. The plant also requires soil that is moderately fertile. If the soil is too rich, the plant may become too tall and spindly. To improve drainage and aeration, the addition of sand or perlite to the soil can be beneficial.
Cultivation Methods for Physostegia Pulchella Lundell
Physostegia pulchella Lundell is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows well in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is easy to grow from seed or division and should be planted in early spring or fall.
Watering Needs for Physostegia Pulchella Lundell
Physostegia pulchella Lundell requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. The plant can tolerate some dryness but will generally perform best when kept hydrated. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Increase watering during periods of high temperatures or drought.
Fertilization for Physostegia Pulchella Lundell
Physostegia pulchella Lundell benefits from regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer to the soil around the plant once a month during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak stems.
Pruning for Physostegia Pulchella Lundell
Physostegia pulchella Lundell can benefit from some light pruning to promote bushier growth and prevent legginess. The plant can be pinched back in early spring to encourage branching, or it can be cut back by about one-third of its height after the first flush of blooms has faded. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth and additional blooms later in the season.
Propagation Methods of Physostegia pulchella Lundell
Physostegia pulchella Lundell is commonly known as the Obedient Plant, False Dragon Head or the Showy False Beardtongue. The plant belongs to the family Lamiaceae and is native to North America. It is a hardy perennial that grows up to 2 to 4 feet in height and spreads up to 2 feet in width. The plant produces showy spikes of tubular, pink to lavender flowers in late summer or early fall.
Propagation of Physostegia pulchella Lundell can be done through seeds, division, and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The Obedient Plant can be propagated from seeds which are best sown in the spring. The seeds should be sown directly into the garden bed, about 1/8 inch deep in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist until germination. The plant will self-seed, and new plants will appear in the garden after a few years.
Propagation by Division
Division is the easiest and most common method of propagation for Physostegia pulchella Lundell. The plant should be divided in the spring or fall when the plant is not in bloom. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the root clumps into sections using a sharp knife or shovel. Each division should have roots and shoots. Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil, and water thoroughly.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings should be done in early summer when the plant is in full growth. Cut 4 to 6 inches of stem with a sharp and clean knife or pruning shears. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cuttings and dip the cut ends in rooting hormone powder. Place each cutting in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite. Water the cuttings and put them in a warm, shaded spot for a few weeks until they root. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be planted in the garden.
In conclusion, propagating Physostegia pulchella Lundell is an easy task that can be done through seeds, division, and stem cuttings. By following the above methods, you can easily propagate the beautiful and captivating Obedient Plant in your garden.
Disease Management
Physostegia pulchella is susceptible to several diseases and preventative measures can be taken to manage these diseases. The common diseases that affect the plant include:
- Rust: This disease is characterized by orange or yellow powdery spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. The affected leaves may eventually drop from the plant leading to stunted growth. To manage rust, remove any infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide to protect the remaining parts.
- Mildew: Mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the surfaces of the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage mildew, ensure proper air circulation around the plants and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can be applied on the affected parts to prevent further spread.
- Root rot: Root rot is a common problem on plants that are grown in poorly drained soil. The disease is characterized by the rotting of the roots, leading to wilting of the leaves and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, ensure that the plant is grown in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.
Pest Management
Some common pests that may attack Physostegia pulchella include:
- Spider mites: These pests leave tiny, yellowish white spots on the leaves and can cause the plant to look unhealthy. Management of spider mites involves wiping them from the plant or using insecticidal soap
- Slugs and snails: These pests feed on young seedlings and seedpods, causing the plant to appear tattered. They mostly feed at night, so you can handpick them off the plant or set traps to capture them.
- Cutworms: Cutworms cause damage to young plants by severing the stems at ground level. Management of cutworms includes making a protective collar around the base of the plant or using insecticides that contain Bacillus thuringiensis.
It is important to monitor Physostegia pulchella regularly for signs of pests and diseases to prevent the spread and subsequent damage to the plant.
