Obedience
Physostegia virginiana
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
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.
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.
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.
Does Obedience fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.