Details
Emerges
April
Seed collection
Flowers
July, August
Pink
Purple
September
Height
30
-
100
cm
Lifecycle
Perennial
Width
-
cm
Habit
Forbs
Upright
Rhizomatous
Spreading
Herbaceous
Ecology
Supports
Bees
Providing
Nectar source
False dragonhead forms a great nectar source for native bees and other pollinating insects. Peak inside the bell-shaped flowers for a glimpse of the rich community these plants help support.
Habitat
Typically found in
slopes / banks, wetlands, meadows, woodland
Shady or sunny areas with consistent water supply, including ditches, stream banks, wetlands, wet meadows and woodlands.
In the Garden
Growing Conditions
Moisture
Moist
Wet
Light
Full sun
Part sun
Part shade
Soil
Average garden soil, Loam
Propagation
Via
Seeds
Division
Sowing Recommendations
Fall planting
Scarify seeds
Low or difficult germination
Landscape
Use for:
Middle of bed
Accent plant
Growing Tips
False dragonhead really relies on consistent moisture and does well in rich, fertile soil. Planting in a low, damp spot in the garden with some extra compost is best (for example, a swale).
It will spread by rhizomes, but is easily controlled by installing edging buried at least 15 cm deep around the perimeter of the area you want to restrict it to.
Suggested spacing when planting is 30 cm.
It can be challenging to grow from seed, which must be scarified first: Nick seed coat or rub gently with coarse sandpaper, then cold stratify. Dividing established clumps of plants is an easier method of propagation.
Description
False dragonhead is a member of the mint family and related to (though distinct from) commercial cultivars of Physostegia virginiana, a popular garden flower known as the obediant plant. It is an attractive, bushy plant with spikes of pinkish-purple flowers and bright green leaves that will spread by rhizomes into a large clump. Leaves form a small basal rosette before flower stocks develop. When the large, dark seeds (nutlets) are mature, they're held loosely within the cup-like calyx and easily tapped out.
False dragonhead is a good option for a wet area, such as a rain garden or a low spot, whether in sun or light shade.