Perennial Flower Information
Flower Child and see all the photos for this plant.
False Dragon Head, American Heather, Obedient Plant,
Mexican Heath, Accommodation Flower
The False Dragon Head (Physostegia
virginiana) is another one of the few August blooming
plants. It is extremely beautiful with spikes of rosy
pink, lilac or white flowers which are tube-shaped and
similar to a tiny Snapdragon blossom. The buds and flowers
grow on the stem as if growing on the four sides of
a square. The plant grows about 3 feet or 4 feet high,
spreads out and has very pretty foliage surrounding
the graceful spikes. It begins blooming in July and
lasts through September. The names, Obedient Plant and
Accommodation Flower, are derived from the fact that
the flowers remain at any angle at which they are turned.
UTILIZE. This plant is splendid
in a border, but because the flowers are pale, brighter
contrasting colors should be worked in around it to
bring the pink or lilac color out. The flowers last
for a long time and are very useful for cut flowers.
They are good in the border because they bloom at a
time when many other flowers have finished. They are
especially effective near waterfalls, along stream banks,
or when placed in front of dark green shrubs.
GENERAL. Physostegias require
a rather moist soil in either sunny or shady places.
The plants spread very rapidly and will tend to become
a nuisance unless they are divided every year or two.
They are of easy culture and should be planted about
2, feet apart in good soil.
PROPAGATION. These plants
are easily started from seed, or new plants can be had
when the plants are divided every year.
on 75+ Perennials