Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana 'Nicauca' AUTUMN CARNIVAL)

Overview

Physostegia virginiana ‘Nicauca’ AUTUMN CARNIVAL, commonly known as the Obedient plant, brings vibrant pink color to the late summer garden when many other perennials are fading. This cultivar is valued for its tidy, upright habit, providing necessary vertical structure without the flopping issues sometimes associated with the species. It is a rhizomatous perennial well-suited for gardeners seeking reliable bloom performance in moist soils.

Unlike its taller relatives, Phyostegia virginiana ‘Nicauca’ AUTUMN CARNIVAL remains a manageable height, making it an excellent choice for borders or defined garden beds. Its tubular, snapdragon-like flowers attract attention and are famous for momentarily staying in place when gently pushed—hence the common name Obedient plant. Look for this cultivar, sometimes sold specifically as AUTUMN CARNIVAL, to add dense, continuous color from June through September.

This North American native thrives in conditions mirroring stream banks or moist meadows, though the ‘Nicauca’ selection is compact enough for most average garden settings. Growing this attractive plant ensures you receive long-lasting pink spikes that offer visual interest and reliable texture into the early fall.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Lamiaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1.25-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 1.25-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: June to September
• Bloom Description: Pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Plant the Obedient plant in the spring or fall after the risk of hard frost has passed, ensuring it receives full sun for the best flower production. This species prefers average, moist, acidic, well-drained soils. It tolerates wet soils well, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens, but avoid planting in overly rich soils.

Water regularly, particularly during dry spells, as it requires medium moisture levels to thrive. The key cultural note for Physostegia virginiana ‘Nicauca’ AUTUMN CARNIVAL is vigilance regarding staking; although this cultivar is smaller, taller specimens or those stressed by heat may still benefit from support to maintain their upright form.

As a reliable perennial, minimal seasonal care is required once established. The plant tends to spread by rhizomes, so monitor its location if you prefer tight bedding designs. In late winter or early spring, cut back old, dead foliage before new growth emerges.

Landscape Uses

The compact nature of Physostegia virginiana ‘Nicauca’ AUTUMN CARNIVAL makes it indispensable in the perennial border where mid-height structure is needed. Its strong vertical lines contrast beautifully with mounding or spreading plants, preventing a flat appearance. It is highly recommended for rain gardens due to its preference for moist soil conditions.

Consider mass planting this Obedient plant selection in wild gardens or meadows to create drifts of reliable pink color throughout the summer season. It pairs well with plants that enjoy similar moisture levels but offer contrasting foliage textures, such as ornamental grasses or irises.

Because of its upright habit and manageable size—reaching only about 1.5 feet—it works effectively near the front or middle of borders without fully obscuring shorter varieties planted in front.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Physostegia virginiana, commonly called obedient plant or false dragonhead, is a rhizomatous perennial that is native to North America from Quebec to Manitoba south to Florida and New Mexico. In Missouri, it is commonly found in a variety of habitats including open meadows, prairies, stream banks, gravel bars, wooded bluff bases and railroad track right-of-ways (Steyermark). Tubular, two-lipped, snapdragon-like, pink to pale lilac flowers in upright terminal spikes (each to 12-18”) bloom throughout summer (late June-September) atop square stems rising to 2-4’ tall. Flowers bloom bottom to top on each spike, with each flower being subtended by a small leaf-like bract. Stems are clad with opposite, narrow-lanceolate, sharply-toothed leaves (to 3-6” long). Species plants are noted for being aggressive spreaders in the landscape by both rhizomes and self-seeding.Genus name comes from the Greek words physa meaning bladder and stege meaning covering in reference to the calyces which inflate as they develop.Specific epithet is in reference to the State of Virginia which is part of the native range for this plant.Genus members are commonly called obedient plants because each individual flower will, upon being pushed in any one direction, temporarily remain in the new position as if it were hinged. Genus members are also commonly called false dragonhead because the flowers are suggestive of the flowers of dragonhead (Dracocephalum).’Nicauca’ is a compact, upright selection of obedient plant that features pink flowers and a clump-forming, tidy habit. The pink, tubular flowers are held on 5.5” long terminal racemes. Mature clumps will reach up to 18” tall and spread to fill a similar area. Commonly found at nurseries and garden centers sold under the name AUTUMN CARNIVAL. Plant patent number PP29859 applies to this cultivar.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Clay Soil

Potential Problems

Rust is an occasional problem for the Obedient plant; ensure decent air circulation to mitigate fungal issues. Gardeners should also monitor for common pests like aphids and spider mites, applying targeted treatments if infestations become severe. While the parent species is known for aggressive spreading via rhizomes, the ‘Nicauca’ cultivar offers a more clump-forming habit, though vigilance is still recommended in small or formal settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Obedient plant suitable for?

This perennial performs reliably across USDA Zones 3 through 9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.

How large does Physostegia virginiana ‘Nicauca’ AUTUMN CARNIVAL grow?

Mature plants typically reach a height between 1.25 and 1.5 feet tall, spreading to a similar width of 1.25 to 1.5 feet.

When does Obedient plant bloom?

The lovely pink flowers appear during the peak summer season, generally blooming continuously from June through September.

What sun exposure does Physostegia virginiana ‘Nicauca’ AUTUMN CARNIVAL need?

For the best performance and fullest flower production, this plant requires full sun exposure.

Conclusion

The compact Physostegia virginiana ‘Nicauca’ AUTUMN CARNIVAL provides sought-after vertical accent and reliable pink color throughout the often-challenging mid to late summer months. Its tolerance for moist soil and deer resistance add significant practical value, solidifying its status as a garden workhorse. Confirm your local USDA Zone compatibility before planting this exceptional Obedient plant selection this season.

Seasonal Care Calendar

For optimal health, coordinate care with the growing season. In early spring, remove any lingering dead foliage from the previous year to encourage fresh, healthy shoots of the Obedient plant. As new growth emerges, this is a good time to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if your soil is poor, remembering that too much rich soil can cause flopping.

During the heat of summer, focus primarily on consistent moisture management, especially if planted in full sun or in a rain garden that dries out occasionally. If you notice any leaning stems during peak bloom (June to September), provide light staking immediately to prevent permanent bending or damage to the flowering spikes of Physostegia virginiana ‘Nicauca’ AUTUMN CARNIVAL.

Fall cleanup is minimal. Allow the foliage to die back naturally unless cosmetic tidiness is required earlier, as the dried structure can offer winter interest. No special winter protection is usually required for this tough perennial in zones 3-9.

Companion Planting

When designing beds around the Obedient plant, focus on companions that appreciate medium moisture and full sun exposure. Daylilies (Hemerocallis) or Ligularia species pair well, providing contrasting foliage and bloom shapes throughout the season. Placing moisture-loving plants like Astilbe or hardy Hibiscus nearby can further enhance the damp environment that Physostegia virginiana ‘Nicauca’ AUTUMN CARNIVAL enjoys.

Consider using plants with fine textures near the broad leaves of the Obedient plant to create effective textural contrast in your landscape. Tall ornamental grasses contrast nicely with the vertical pink spires. Even though this cultivar is tidier, group it with plants that will visually fill in any gaps if spread becomes an issue, ensuring a cohesive look.