Things Needed
Obedience plant ( Physostegia virginiana ) , an vertical perennial more normally known as obedient plant or false dragonhead , derive its common name from the root ’s ability to remain in place when moved . This makes the plant life peculiarly worthful for use in cut flower arrangements or for planting in a child ’s garden . In add-on , obedience plant tolerates soggy condition where other flowering flora may give out . aboriginal to eastern North America , the plant grows wild along current , creeks , swampland , ditches , damp hayfield and bog . In the home garden , obedience plant requires only minimal care if you furnish it with an optimal planting location .
Step 1
flora obedience plant during leaping or summertime in a location that receives full sunshine throughout the day and consist of well - drained , damp dirt . Space obedience plant 18 to 24 inches apart to supply way for the industrial plant ’s maximal spread .
Step 2
Water once every five days or whenever the Earth’s surface of the dirt feels ironical to the tactile sensation to keep the soil consistently moist at all times . Soak the soil to a profoundness of at least 4 inches to ensure the root absorb plenty of wet . Do not irrigate during the wintertime dormancy menstruation .
Step 3
Feed obedience plant once per calendar month during spring , summer and fall using a balanced 10 - 10 - 10 NPK fertilizer to provide proper nutrition for heyday growing and tooth root establishment . Check the instructions provide on the packet for dosage data .
Step 4
Prune during other summer to encourage the plant to shape additional heyday and arise in a succinct habit . Cut back the marvellous radical by 3 to 4 inch and several new branches will form , each tipped with a peak bud .
Step 5
disseminate a 2- to 3 - inch bed of mulch over the soil surround obedience plant during late fall to provide insulation and prevent the formation of mourning band . For the good results , remove the mulch the undermentioned spring , just before active growth resumes .
Tip
Use a slurred mulch to supply maximal insulation , such as chopped cedar barque .
Warning
Despite its name , obeisance plant can be rather invasive if not controlled . If the plant life begins to go around out of bounds , reduce watering and fertilizing absolute frequency until the spreading is under control .
