Bulk discount!
Obedient plant
The Physostegia virginiana 'Summer Snow', commonly known as the obedient plant, is a delightful perennial that brings an elegant and structured look to any garden setting. Its name 'obedient' comes from the peculiar characteristic that when the flowers are moved into a new position, they tend to stay in that position as if obeying the gardener's command.
This variety, 'Summer Snow', enchants with its pristine white blooms that stand tall and proud, creating a spectacular display from mid-summer to early autumn.
We would like to provide some tips on how to plant and care for a White flowering border plants. By following these tips, you can be sure to enjoy your White flowering border plants for a long time.
For optimal growth, Physostegia virginiana 'Summer Snow' should be situated in a location where it receives full sun to partial shade. This species is versatile in terms of soil preference, thriving in a variety of well-drained substrates. Ensuring adequate drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging, which this species does not tolerate well. The site should offer enough space for the plant to reach its mature height of 80 cm, with its characteristic upright growth habit. Regular watering will satisfy its average water needs, particularly during periods of dry weather.
Planting the Physostegia virginiana 'Summer Snow' should be done in an area that receives full sun to partial shade to accommodate its light requirements. The soil should be well-drained, yet the species is adaptable to various soil types. When planting, ensure there is ample space between the plants to promote their upright growth habit and reach an ultimate height of about 80 cm. Regular watering after planting is important to establish a strong root system; however, the water needs are average once established. Planting is ideally undertaken in the cooler months of spring or autumn to reduce stress on the plant.
To encourage a robust display of white blooms, it's advisable to trim Physostegia virginiana 'Summer Snow' in the early spring or after the flowering period. Pruning in spring involves removing any dead or damaged stems to make way for new growth. Post-flowering, cutting the plant back can stimulate a second, albeit smaller, flush of flowers and prevent the species from becoming leggy. This maintenance ensures an upright growth habit and helps the plant retain its vigor and shape throughout the growing season.
The Physostegia virginiana 'Summer Snow' requires consistent moisture to maintain its lush foliage and support its blooming season from July to September. While it has average water needs, attention should be paid during dry spells to ensure the soil remains well-drained but does not dry out completely. Watering should be thorough, allowing moisture to penetrate deeply into the soil, which will encourage a strong root system and support its upright growth habit. It is optimal to water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce water loss from evaporation.
To support the robust, upright growth of Physostegia virginiana 'Summer Snow', a balanced fertilization regimen is recommended. A general-purpose fertilizer applied in the early spring can bolster the initial growth phase, while a follow-up application in mid-summer ensures sustained nutrient availability during the peak blooming months of July through September.
When fertilizing, distribute the product evenly around the base of the plant, taking care not to concentrate it against the stems, which could potentially cause harm. Watering the area after fertilization helps dissolve the nutrients, allowing them to seep into the well-drained soil and reach the roots more effectively.
Adhering to these fertilization guidelines will contribute to the plant's overall health and enhance the production of its signature white blooms throughout the summer season.
The Physostegia virginiana 'Summer Snow' is notable for its unique ability to have its individual flowers repositioned along the stem, often staying in place once moved, which is an enchanting feature for interactive gardening. This perennial thrives in a range of soil types, provided they are well-draining. The 'Summer Snow' variety, with its white blooms, serves as an excellent backdrop for other colors in the garden, enhancing the overall visual appeal throughout its blooming period.
To ensure the continued health and vigor of Physostegia virginiana 'Summer Snow', division is a recommended practice. Ideally undertaken in the cooler periods of spring or autumn, the process involves removing the plant from its setting and carefully separating it into smaller clumps. Replant these divisions promptly, spacing them adequately to accommodate future growth. This method not only stimulates robust new growth but also helps to manage the size and shape of the plant, maintaining its upright form and enhancing its display of pristine white blossoms in the summer months.
Physostegia virginiana 'Summer Snow' typically reaches a height of 50 to 100 centimeters when fully mature.
The ultimate spread of Physostegia virginiana 'Summer Snow' ranges from 10 to 50 centimeters, depending on its environment and care.
Physostegia virginiana 'Summer Snow' is adaptable to various soil types, but it thrives best in well-drained soil. This ensures that the plant's roots are not waterlogged and can access the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
Physostegia virginiana 'Summer Snow' is best suited to a location with exposure to both sun and partial shade. This plant thrives in an environment where it can receive ample sunlight as well as some protection from the intense midday sun.
The blossoms of Physostegia virginiana 'Summer Snow' display a lovely white hue, adding a touch of elegance to the plant's appearance.
Indeed, Physostegia virginiana 'Summer Snow' is winter hardy. It can endure temperatures as low as -23.3°C to -20.1°C, falling within USDA hardiness zone 6a. This indicates that the plant is well-equipped to survive the winter season in regions within this hardiness zone.
Physostegia virginiana 'Summer Snow' is not an evergreen plant. This means that it sheds its leaves during the autumn season and regrows them in the spring.
Physostegia virginiana 'Summer Snow' typically takes between 2 and 5 years to reach its full height, signifying a moderate yet steady growth rate.
If we are proud of anything at Heijnen Plants, it is our plant packaging. We have developed our own unique way of packaging our 9x9 cm potted plants. After years of continued development and research, we managed to create packaging that allows plants to be delivered to your home undamaged and quickly through a parcel service. This makes us unique!
Learn more
If you have ordered large-sized plants or trees, we deliver them on sealed pallets and place them around your house or driveway. The pallets are sturdy and provide optimal protection for large-sized plants.
We deliver small or medium-sized plants in boxes. The size of the box depends on the size of the plant. We always make sure that the plant has enough space but still stands firmly in the box, so it cannot be damaged during transport.
The Physostegia virginiana 'Summer Snow' is a captivating addition to any garden, boasting elegant spires of pure white flowers that evoke the beauty of a summer snowfall. This plant thrives with ease, offering a refreshing display of perennial blooms that enchant garden enthusiasts and pollinators alike.
