Obedient Live Pond Plant – Hardy Bog Aquatic Marginal with Lavender Flowers

Obedient plant, also known as false dragonhead, is a hardy perennial that thrives in wet soils and shallow water, making it an excellent choice for pond edges, bog gardens, and water gardens. Its upright stems are topped with spikes of lavender-pink tubular flowers in late summer, adding vertical interest and soft color to aquatic landscapes.

This live pond plant is a favorite for naturalizing around water features, where it attracts bees and butterflies. It is easy to grow and returns year after year in suitable climates, providing reliable structure and bloom for marginal plantings.

Plant Features

• Hardy perennial with upright, clump-forming habit
• Lavender-pink flower spikes in late summer to early fall
• Ideal for pond margins, bog gardens, and rain gardens
• Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies
• Tolerates wet soils and shallow standing water

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Physostegia virginiana
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist to wet, rich in organic matter
• Water Requirements: High; keep soil consistently moist
• Growth Habit: Upright, spreading by rhizomes
• Bloom Season: Late summer to early fall
• Mature Height: 2 to 4 feet
• Spacing: 18 to 24 inches

Planting & Care

Plant obedient in a location with consistent moisture, such as the edge of a pond or a bog garden. It can be placed in shallow water up to a few inches deep or in evenly moist soil. Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade for best flowering. Water regularly during establishment and keep the soil from drying out completely.

Once established, obedient requires minimal care. Divide clumps every few years to control spread and maintain vigor. Cut back spent stems in late fall or early spring to tidy the plant and encourage new growth. This plant is generally pest and disease resistant.

What's Included

One live obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana) ready for planting in your pond or bog garden.