Obedient Plant
Physostegia, the obedient plant, bears neat spikes of tubular, snapdragon-like flowers in pink, white, lavender and purple, named for the way each bloom stays put when nudged along the stem. Florists use it as an easy, versatile line flower that brings soft vertical structure to garden-style bouquets and seasonal arrangements. Its cottage-garden charm suits relaxed late-summer and autumn palettes. Reliable and long in the vase, it is a dependable filler-to-line stem for everyday and wedding work alike.
| Family | Lamiaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | North America |
| Peak season | August, September |
| Availability | July, August, September, October |
| Stem length | 40–90 cm |
| Vase life | 5–8 days |
| Colors | pink, white, purple, lavender |
| Price tier | mid |
Cut stems on an angle and condition in cool, clean water with flower food, stripping the lower square-stemmed foliage below the waterline. It is an easy, reliable drinker that needs little fuss beyond fresh water. Remove spent lower florets as the spike opens upward, and keep it out of direct heat to extend its vase life.
- •Cut stems at an angle
- •Use cool, clean water with flower food
- •Strip lower foliage below the waterline
- •Remove spent lower florets
- •Refresh water regularly
- •Keep out of direct heat
