Origin
Physostegia virginiana (L.) Benth. ssp. praemorsa (Shinners) Cantino, commonly known as Obedient Plant, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to North America and can be found from Newfoundland to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas.
Common Names
Obedient Plant is commonly known as false dragonhead, obedient plant, and lion's heart.
Uses
Obedient Plant has several medicinal uses. The leaves and roots have been infused to treat headaches, fever, and stomach ailments. It is also used to treat sore mouth and throat, asthma, and as a sedative. In addition, it is used as a herbal remedy for hypertension, and it is believed to be useful in treating anxiety and depression.
General Appearance
Obedient Plant grows up to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide and blooms from July to September. Its leaves are lance-shaped, toothed, and up to 6 inches long. The flowers are tubular and appear in dense, elongated clusters at the top of the stem. The flowers are usually pink or white and bloom in a sequence that appears to be in straight rows. The plant's stems are square and have a fine pubescence. Because of its ability to stay in the position it is placed in, the plant is named "Obedient Plant."
Growth Conditions for Physostegia virginiana (L.) Benth. ssp. praemorsa (Shinners) Cantino
Light Requirements: Physostegia virginiana ssp. praemorsa prefers full sun but can tolerate some partial shade. In areas with hot summers, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent the plant from wilting.
Temperature Requirements: This plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures but thrives in moderate temperatures of 70-80°F (21-27°C). It can tolerate frost but is not cold hardy and will die back to the ground in the winter in colder regions.
Soil Requirements: Physostegia virginiana ssp. praemorsa requires moist, well-draining soil and will not tolerate consistently wet or waterlogged soil. It can grow in a variety of soil types including loam, clay, and sand as long as the soil is fertile. The plant prefers a soil pH of 6.0-7.5 but can tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline soil.
Fertilizer: Fertilizer is not necessary for this plant but can be beneficial in poor soil conditions. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be used in the spring before new growth appears.
Water Requirements: Physostegia virginiana ssp. praemorsa requires consistent moisture and should not be allowed to dry out completely. In areas with dry summers, regular watering will be necessary to prevent wilting.
Other Conditions: This plant can grow well in open fields, meadows, or along streams. It is beneficial to provide support for the plant with stakes or other structures as it can become top-heavy and flop over. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms throughout the growing season.
Cultivation Method
Physostegia virginiana ssp. praemorsa is a perennial plant that is best cultivated in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight for optimal growth. It can be grown in containers or directly in garden beds, and it is recommended to start the plants from seeds or transplants.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is crucial for the successful growth of Physostegia virginiana ssp. praemorsa. The plant prefers moist soil, so it is recommended to water it regularly, especially during the heat of summer. However, it is essential not to overwater as this may lead to root rot and other diseases. It is best to use a mulch layer around the base of the plant to retain moisture and prevent evaporation.
Fertilization
Like most plants, Physostegia virginiana ssp. praemorsa requires nutrients for optimal growth. A balanced fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, ideally at the start of the growing season and then every two to three weeks thereafter. Ensuring that the soil is rich in nutrients and organic matter aids in the production of healthy plants that are more resistant to disease and pests.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the continued health and shape of Physostegia virginiana ssp. praemorsa. Deadheading and removing spent blooms will encourage the production of more flowers, and the plant's overall appearance will benefit from being trimmed back to remove any damaged, diseased, or overgrown stems. The best time to prune is in the spring after the new growth begins to emerge or after flowering in the fall.
Propagation of Physostegia virginiana (L.) Benth. ssp. praemorsa (Shinners) Cantino
Physostegia virginiana (L.) Benth. ssp. praemorsa (Shinners) Cantino, commonly known as Obedient plant, can be propagated through various methods. Some of the common propagation methods include division, stem cuttings, and seed propagation.
Division
The division is a common propagation method for obedient plants, especially mature plants that have grown large clumps. The best time to divide these plants is in the early spring or fall, before the new growth appears. To divide the plant, dig up the clump, and gently separate the roots into smaller clumps. Plant the smaller clumps at the same depth as they were previously growing.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate obedient plants. Select healthy stems from the parent plant and make a cutting that is 4-6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves of the stem and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Plant the stem cutting in a pot filled with potting soil and keep it moist and in a warm place until it roots. Once rooted, the new plant can be transplanted into the ground.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is another method used to propagate obedient plants. Collect seeds from the parent plant after the flowers have faded and the seed heads have formed. Sow the seed in a pot filled with a moist seed-starting mix, cover it with a thin layer of soil, and keep it in a warm place with indirect light. Keep the soil moist and seedlings will emerge in 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a size of 3-4 inches, they can be transplanted into the ground.
Common Diseases
Physostegia virginiana (L.) Benth. ssp. praemorsa (Shinners) Cantino is generally prone to diseases and fungal infections. Some of the most common diseases that can affect the plant include:
- Rust: This fungal disease appears as yellow or orange spots on the underside of the leaves. It can cause defoliation and impact the plant's growth.
- Brown Rot: This disease causes the plant's stems and leaves to turn brown and decay. It is caused by a fungus that thrives in wet conditions, making good drainage crucial.
- Botrytis Blight: This fungal disease can infect the leaves, stem, and flowers of the plant. It appears as gray mold and can cause the plant to wither and die.
Regularly monitoring plants and removing any infected parts can help manage these diseases. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene practices such as cleaning pruning tools and avoiding overhead watering can prevent the spread of fungal infections. Treating the plant with fungicides like copper and sulfur-based products can also help prevent and manage fungal infections.
Common Pests
Apart from fungal infections, Physostegia virginiana (L.) Benth. ssp. praemorsa (Shinners) Cantino is also susceptible to pest infestations. Some of the common pests that can affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These small insects cluster on the undersides of the leaves and flowers, sucking sap and causing leaves to curl and distort.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can infest the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. They are commonly found on the undersides of leaves and flourish in hot, dry conditions.
- Whiteflies: These pests can cause leaf yellowing, wilting, and premature defoliation. They are small, white insects that suck sap from the undersides of leaves.
Managing pest infestations can be done through a combination of natural and chemical methods. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can help control pest populations, as can introducing beneficial nematodes into the soil. Using insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help manage pest populations without harming beneficial insect populations. In severe cases, chemical pesticides may be necessary, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully and avoid harmful chemical residues on plants or in the soil.
