Obedient plant, a vigorously growing native perennial, blooms from late summer to fall.
In fact, it can be an aggressive spreader.
The flowers look good in a garden setting and also makegood cut flowers.
Credit: Greg Ryan
All it needs is full to partial sun and somewhat moist, slightly acidic soil.
In terms of soil quality, the plant is highly adaptable.
Obedient plant is a must in a pollinator ornative plant gardenthat looks especially good in drifts or mass plantings.
Credit: Greg Ryan
It is also a good addition to a perennial bed or border.
This rambunctious perennial spreads primarily by underground runners.
This will help prevent the runners from escaping.
Credit: Clint Farlinger
Dig a hole about twice the diameter of the nursery container and about the same depth.
The roots of obedient plant are delicate so be extra gentle when handling them.
Place the plant in the hole and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Gently tamp down the soil and water it well.
Keep the soil evenly moist in the absence of rain until the first strong frosts.
Space plants 3 feet apart, except for compact cultivars which can be spaced about 2 feet apart.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Obedient Plant Care Tips
Obedient plants are easy to grow and requirevery little maintenance.
Full sun is also best for flower production and provides the most amount of blossoms.
While obedient plant tolerates part shade, it will be looser in habit and more prone to flopping.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
However, the plants also tolerateheavy clay.
Overly rich soil prompts floppy growth, causing taller varieties to fall over and require staking.
Planting obedient plants in drier soil slows them down a little, which might not be unwelcome.
Thesoil pHshould be between 5.5 and 6.3.
Obedient plant thrives in soil that remains consistently moist even in sunny conditions.
Water during dry spells but ensure not to overwater it, as that increases the risk of fungal diseases.
They thrive in temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees F and tolerate hot, dry weather well.
Fertilizer
Work a 1-inchlayer of compostinto the soil around the base of the plant.
Any additional fertilization is not recommended and is even detrimental because excess nutrients lead to floppy growth.
Simply wait for it to sprout, and then get to work removing it.
Remove it in the spring to make room for new growth.
Fill it with a combination of well-draining potting mix and compost.
Keep in mind that container plants require more frequent watering and fertilization than plants in the landscape.
Pests and Problems
Obedient plant is generally free of seriouspests and diseases.
It might attract aphids.
In damp, weedy conditions, blackspot fungus might occur.
The plant is deer-resistant.
How to Propagate Obedient Plant
Obedient plant is commonly propagated from seed.
If you let it go into seed, you might find seedlings in your garden.
If they are from a cultivar, they might not have the same desirable traits as the parents.
The seeds require 60 days ofcold stratificationto germinate.
The blooms are bright pink.
The square stems carry 5-inch toothed leaves.
Crystal Peak Obedient Plant
The outstanding feature of this cultivar is itssnow-white bloom.
The flowers are long-lasting and form an attractive contrast against the deep green foliage.
This is a moderately spreading variety that grows only 1 foot tall.
All cultivars produce white daisy flowers in various degrees of doubleness and size.
The sturdy stems and long vase life make the flowers unbeatable for cutting.
Shasta daisy thrives in well-drained, not overly rich soil.
Taller sorts may need staking.
And yet they look so delicate, producing glorious trumpet-shaped blooms in myriad colors.
The flowers are born on leafless stems.
The strappy foliage may be evergreen or deciduous.
Many of the best cultivars are hybrids.
All are excellent for cutting.
Deadhead to extend bloom time, and divide the clumps every couple of years to ensure vigor.
It’s a fun plant for kids to play with.
These perennials are vigorous spreaders that outgrow their allocated space if the spread is not controlled.
Although most humans and wildlife will not eat this plant key in, it is technically edible.
It is sometimes called ‘potato bean’ because it has walnut-sized tubers that grow along its stem.
Obedient plant attracts many pollinators, including bees, hummingbirds, sphinx moths, and butterflies.
In general, it does not appeal to deer or foraging small mammals.
Since they are perennials, they grow back every year.
They should last more than 2 years, with some varieties lasting up to 10 years.
