This afternoon I discovered a bloom of Physostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant) rising up through a mound of Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ (Catmint) in the northern border.

Physostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant)

For a couple of years I have been battling this native plant, one that was well-behaved in my previous garden. Given to me by a dear relative many years ago, I brought it along to the current garden cheerfully, believing it to be a wonderful plant.

It blooms in late summer when few other things can be so readily counted upon. It charms everyone, young and old, by having bendable flowers—when touched they remain in the position they are bent (thus the name Obedient Plant).

Physostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant)

Though it remained well-contained in my old garden, in the much richer prepared soil of my current one, this perennial starting establishing itself too heartily, spreading by rhizomes throughout the entire northern border.

It seems a shame to pull out something that is so pretty and so enjoyed by this bee, but I guess I will have to toughen up and remove this plant or face the consequences. Fortunately the bee should be able to find some other nourishing plants within the same border.