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Physostegia virginiana 'Miss Manners'

Obedient Plant

'Miss Manners' is aptly named because, unlike many other kinds of obedient plant, this one is clump forming and doesn't spread throughout the garden. Stiff, square stems end in dense spikes of pure white, snapdragon-like flowers, which bloom throughout the summer.

Benefits

Good nectar source for butterflies and other pollinators
Stem clumps make good ground cover for wildlife
Pure white flower spikes bloom for many weeks
Good cut flower
Forms clumps and does not become invasive

Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

Easy to grow in full sun or light shade. Plant in well-drained, consistently moist soil. Does not tolerate drought so needs to be watered in dry spells. A light summer mulch helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cool.


Height
24-30 Inches

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Spread
18-24 Inches

USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9

Native Range

Open meadows and prairies; Quebec to Manitoba south to New Mexico and Florida.

Native Trivia

Some members of the genus Physostegia are commonly called obedient plant because each individual flower will, upon being moved in any one direction, temporarily remain in the new position as if it were hinged.


"These big spikes of showy flowers are easy for my butterfly friends and me to find."

Good Companions
Smooth Aster (Aster laevis)

Characteristics & Attributes

Plan Sub Group
Medium to Tall Perennials
Exposure
Filtered Shade
Sun
Soil Moisture Preference
Average
Moist
Attracts Wildlife
Butterflies
Bloom Time
Fall
Summer
Habitat Collection
Butterfly
Wet Sun
Native to
Alabama
Arkansas
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin