Physostegia virginiana 'MISS MANNERS' obedient plant
size/type
mid-sized perennial,mid-sized perennial
usual height
0,6-0,8m
usual width
0,3-0,5m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
July-August
location
full sun
USDA zone (lowest)
3 (down to -40°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Obedient plant is native to eastern coast of North America and the genus comprises of about 12 species. Physostegia virginiana is native to lower, a little warmer parts of East USA down to North Mexico yet it is extremely hardy. There are two subspecies accepted (praemorsa and virginiana) and two commercial (speciosa and grandiflora), which often hybridize among themselves making it impossible or even pointless trying to categorize its correct subspecies group.
Description of the plant:
What does it take to have manners when it comes to Virginian obedientplant? Let's have a close look: strictly upright, non-falling, square stems form a clean, bushy habit. Up to 20 cm long spikes of 4 rows of snow white flowers that open in summer, continuously and tirelessly. Very short root rhizomes which do not tend to spread and weed around, they only help the plant become larger and bushier year after year. Narrowly lanceolate, finely serrated, always healthy leaves are soft green and glossy, and look very lush. Is there anything else you might call misbehaving? Miss Manners was selected by Darrell R. Probst in his nursery in Hubbardston, USA, in 1988, and patented as PP12637 in 2002. Obedient plant loves moist or partially wet sites. Grow it preferably in full sun. It can take light shade but is not as pretty and tends to escape the shade to all day sunlight. Excellent hardiness to -40°C (USDA zone 3).
Last update 15-07-2019
