Crystal Peak White False Dragonhead (Physostegia virginiana 'Crystal Peak White False Dragonhead')
fy-so-STEE-jhah ver-jin-ee-AY-nah 'Crystal Peak White False Dragonhead'

Deciduous Perennial in the Lamiaceae Family

Physostegia virginiana, commonly known as obedient plant or false dragonhead, is a hardy, perennial wildflower native to eastern and central North America. This resilient plant is valued for its showy, late-summer to fall blooms and its ability to thrive in a variety of growing conditions.

Reaching 3-4 feet in height, Physostegia virginiana produces upright, square stems adorned with lance-shaped, serrated leaves. The true star of this plant, however, are its spectacular flower spikes that emerge in late summer. These dense, terminal clusters feature tubular, snapdragon-like blooms that range in color from pale pink to deep lavender, often with contrasting white lips.

One of the most unique features of the obedient plant is its ability to have its flowers manipulated into different positions, remaining obediently in place, hence the common name. This unusual trait, combined with the plant's long-lasting, nectar-rich blooms, make it an excellent choice for cutting gardens and wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Physostegia virginiana thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to a variety of soil types, from moist to dry. Its reliable nature, low-maintenance requirements, and deer resistance further contribute to its popularity among gardeners. Whether used as a vibrant accent, a backdrop for other perennials, or a stand-alone specimen, this native wildflower is sure to delight with its showy, late-season display.
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 3 - 4 feet tall. 24 - 36 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Full Sun - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium - Wet
Zones 3a - 9b (Usually hardy to -40° F)
Tags Deciduous, Full Sun, Full Sun, Medium, Perennial, Wet, Wet Site Tolerant
Bloom Period June to September
Flower Color
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Pricing and Availability History

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Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!