PHYSOSTEGIA 



(From the Greek -physa, a bladder, and stego, to cover, in reference to the inHated fruiting calyx) 

 Labidta 



57. Physostegia virginica {P. virginidna; Dracocephalum 



virginidnum) 



English Names: False dragon's head, Obedient plant, Lion's heart. 



NORTH AMERICA JULY AND AUGUST 



SMALL, curiously shaped tubular flowers often an inch long, usually 

 rosy-pink but ranging from purplish red through rosy-pink and lilac 

 to flesh-pink, closely borne in graceful terminal spikes on erect stems above 

 a leafy plant three to four 

 feet high. Foliage thick, 

 fine, and persistent. Good 

 in the herbaceous border, 

 especially as a contrast to 

 plants of coarser habit, or 

 in shrubbery. Good also 

 for naturalizing in moist 

 places and for cutting. 



A perfectly hardy 

 perennial of easy culture 

 in a strong, rather moist, 

 and rich soil. Should 

 have a sunny situation. 

 If not allowed to seed, will 

 bloom for a long period. 



For good results it re- 

 quires frequent division 

 or replanting. 



Propagate by division 

 in spring. 



Var. denticuldta, a 

 smaller and more delicate 

 variety with pink flowers. 

 Excellent. 



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