Obedience
Physostegia virginiana
Last reviewed: July 2026
Physostegia virginiana is a native perennial wildflower found across most of the United States that produces spikes of pink tubular flowers from July through September. This obedient plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, FL and 30 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Obedient Plant produces tall spikes of tubular pink or white flowers from summer through early fall. This native perennial spreads by underground runners to form colonies, making it excellent for naturalizing areas. The flowers can be moved on their stems and stay in place, giving the plant its common name.
Growing Obedience
Grow Obedience in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Obedience takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Spreads aggressively and can look untidy
- May appear weedy to conservative neighbors
- Requires regular division to control spread
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the long blooming period. This native plant provides excellent late-season nectar when many other flowers have finished.
Common questions
- When does Physostegia virginiana bloom?
- Physostegia virginiana blooms from July through September, producing tall spikes of pink tubular flowers that are attractive to pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Physostegia virginiana?
- Physostegia virginiana attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich tubular flowers. The plant is particularly valuable for native bee species and butterfly conservation.
- Where is Physostegia virginiana native?
- Physostegia virginiana is native to most of the United States, including states from Maine to Florida and west to Texas, North Dakota, and New Mexico. It naturally occurs in prairies, wetlands, and woodland edges.
- What growing conditions does Physostegia virginiana prefer?
- Physostegia virginiana grows best in full sun to partial sun with medium to high moisture levels. It tolerates a range of soil conditions and can spread by underground rhizomes in favorable conditions.
- Is Obedience HOA-friendly?
- Obedience takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Obedience? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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