Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana 'Pink Manners')
Discover Physostegia virginiana 'Pink Manners', the non-aggressive Obedient plant, offering showy pink summer blooms in zones 3-9.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Physostegia virginiana ‘Pink Manners’ is a highly valued cultivar of the Obedient plant, prized for improving the classic traits of the species. This robust perennial delivers reliable, showy pink flowers throughout the summer months, attracting attention in garden beds. Unlike its wilder relatives, ‘Pink Manners’ is renowned for its compact, clump-forming habit, which prevents the flopping and aggressive spreading that can plague the original Physostegia virginiana.
This selection brings vertical interest to mixed plantings while offering excellent performance in moist garden areas. Its upright pink spikes provide structure from mid-summer well into early autumn, making it an excellent choice for borders or naturalized settings where a tidy appearance is desired. The common name, Obedient plant, refers to the unique, snapdragon-like flowers that hold their position when touched.
Gardeners benefit from the relatively low maintenance required by Physostegia virginiana ‘Pink Manners’ alongside its adaptability to various moisture regimes. Whether you are designing a rain garden or looking for non-invasive upright color, this compact Obedient plant proves a dependable perennial backbone.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
- Bloom Description: Pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Opt for planting Physostegia virginiana ‘Pink Manners’ in the spring after all danger of frost has passed, ensuring it establishes before summer heat. This plant thrives when situated in full sun, although it will tolerate some partial shade, particularly in the hottest climates. The key to success involves providing average, moist, acidic, and well-drained soils.
Water diligently, especially during dry spells, as this Obedient plant prefers consistently moist conditions; aim for medium water needs to keep foliage lush. While heavy fertilization is generally unnecessary, overly rich soils can encourage weak, floppy growth, something ‘Pink Manners’ is bred to resist. It is worth noting that taller specimens in exposed locations might occasionally benefit from staking if conditions are exceedingly rich or shady.
For seasonal care, snip back spent flower spikes to neaten the appearance after blooming finishes. Deadheading can encourage a very light flush of rebloom, although this cultivar is valued more for its long initial performance. In late fall or early spring, cut back any remaining dead foliage to prepare for new growth emerging from the crown.
Landscape Uses
The upright architectural form of Physostegia virginiana ‘Pink Manners’ makes it exceptionally valuable for designing layered borders where height contrast is needed. Its long season of vivid pink flowers anchors the mid-to-back of a cottage garden scheme, pairing wonderfully with airy astilbes or robust hostas. The non-spreading nature of this cultivar means it can be used confidently near walkways or in tighter spaces where aggressive rhizomatous perennials would be problematic.
Consider incorporating this Obedient plant into rain garden designs, as it handles moist soils exceptionally well alongside other water-loving foliage. Furthermore, integrating ‘Pink Manners’ into meadow or prairie plantings provides vertical punctuation among softer, lower-growing native grasses and flowers. Its robust, clump-forming habit ensures excellent texture and reliable color year after year.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Physostegia virginiana, commonly called obedient plant or false dragonhead, is a rhizomatous perennial that is native to North America from Quebec to Manitoba south to Florida and New Mexico. Tubular, two-lipped, snapdragon-like, pink to pale lilac flowers in upright terminal spikes bloom throughout summer atop square stems rising to 2-4’ tall. The result is ‘Pink Manners’, which is a compact cultivar that does not flop and is not aggressive, featuring light rose pink flowers in a clump-forming habit, making this specific Physostegia virginiana ‘Pink Manners’ a standout choice for orderly summer color.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Clay Soil
Potential Problems
Rust is an occasional problem that can affect the foliage of this Obedient plant. To prevent fungal issues, ensure good air circulation around the plants by avoiding dense overcrowding and watering at the base rather than overhead. Watch out for sporadic infestations of aphids and spider mites, which can usually be managed with blasts of water or insecticidal soap. Remember that while the species plants can become aggressive spreaders, the Physostegia virginiana ‘Pink Manners’ cultivar is intentionally bred to be clump-forming and far less prone to self-seeding or spreading aggressively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Obedient plant suitable for?
The Physostegia virginiana ‘Pink Manners’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 9.
How large does Obedient plant grow?
This compact variety typically reaches a mature height between 2 and 3 feet tall, with a spread usually contained to 1.5 to 2 feet wide.
When does Obedient plant bloom?
This perennial provides vibrant color starting in June and continuing through September, showcasing beautiful pink flowers.
What sun exposure does Obedient plant need?
For the best structure and flowering performance, full sun exposure is recommended for Physostegia virginiana ‘Pink Manners’.
Conclusion
The Physostegia virginiana ‘Pink Manners’ offers gardeners a fantastic blend of reliable summer bloom, sturdy structure, and managed growth. Its signature showy pink spikes and non-aggressive behavior make it a superior garden choice compared to the straight species Obedient plant. Before planting, confirm that your site offers full sun and consistently medium moisture to ensure the most successful display of this excellent perennial.
Companion Planting
Selecting the right companions enhances the visual appeal and cultural harmony of plantings featuring Physostegia virginiana ‘Pink Manners’. Since this plant demands consistently moist soil, pair it with other moisture-lovers like Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica), Chelone (Turtlehead), or certain varieties of Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium). These companions share similar water needs, ensuring uniform care across the border.
For textural contrast, employ plants with fine, airy foliage nearby. Ornamental grasses, though perhaps needing slightly less water, can often adapt well enough to provide movement above and around the stiff vertical stems of the Obedient plant. Conversely, broad-leafed plants help accentuate the formality of the pink flower spikes.
Propagation Tips
Propagation of Physostegia virginiana ‘Pink Manners’ is simplest through division, capitalizing on its manageable clump-forming nature. Divide the clumps in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge, or in the fall after the foliage has died back. Ensure each separated section for replanting contains several healthy growth buds.
While the species frequently self-seeds, this patented cultivar is less prolific in that regard, making vegetative division the preferred method for maintaining genetic consistency. Avoid trying to propagate via stem cuttings, as division provides a much higher success rate for establishing mature, vigorous plants quickly.
