Physostegia 'Miss Manners'

Physostegia virginiana 'Miss Manners': Refined Spires in Lavender-Pink

Elegant and well-behaved, Physostegia 'Miss Manners' brings soft lavender-pink spires to the summer garden on a compact, clump-forming frame. Unlike older obedient plant selections that tend to wander, this cultivar stays neatly in place, offering upright floral structure without the spread. Blooming from midsummer into early fall, its tubular flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while its glossy green foliage provides a crisp backdrop to the long-lasting display.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–75 cm
• Spread: 40–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Lavender-pink
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to early fall
• Foliage: Glossy green, lance-shaped leaves; strong, upright stems
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerant of clay and heavier soils

Uses and Benefits: 'Miss Manners' offers vertical bloom and a soft blush of colour for sunny borders, rain gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Its restrained growth makes it ideal for more formal or space-conscious settings where a tidy habit is key. Durable in heat and adaptable to a range of soils, it's a dependable performer with long seasonal value.

Companion Plants: Combine with the cool lavender haze of Nepeta 'Walker's Low', the feathery golden blooms of Coreopsis 'Zagreb', and the upright, flame-tinged blades of Schizachyrium 'Standing Ovation' for a sun-loving composition rich in texture, colour contrast, and movement.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry spells to support blooming. Deadhead for a tidier appearance or allow seedheads to remain for autumn interest. Cut back in late fall or early spring. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigour and shape.

History: Selected by Darrell Probst for its compact, non-spreading form and strong flowering, 'Miss Manners' redefines obedient plant with a refined habit and a gentle, elegant colour palette.

Final Thoughts: Soft, upright, and beautifully restrained, Physostegia 'Miss Manners' offers a lavender-pink flourish that’s as charming in bloom as it is well-behaved in the border.