Autumn Carnival Obedient Plant

Autumn Carnival is a compact named selection of Physostegia virginiana, with upright flower spikes in late summer and fall. It forms a clumping perennial around a foot and a half tall and wide, with soft pink flowers and green foliage. ## Garden use Perennials.com lists the selection at 16–18 inches in height and spread, rates it for USDA zones 5–9, and notes it is less inclined to spread quickly than some other obedient plants ([Perennials.com plant profile](https://www.perennials.com/plants/physostegia-virginiana-autumn-carnival.html)). Darwin Perennials also records sun exposure, late-summer and autumn flowering, and 15–17 inch culture dimensions in its [Autumn Carnival guide](https://www.darwinperennials.com/utility/printerculture.aspx?txtphid=049400001035042). The broader species can spread in rich, moist ground, so observe the clump rather than assuming it will never expand ([NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/physostegia-virginiana/)). ## Maintenance Grow in full sun and average to moist soil, keeping the root zone moist but well drained. Water new plantings until established and check during prolonged dry weather. Perennials.com recommends division every three to four years in early spring; remove spent spikes after flowering and trim any growth that strays beyond the allotted space.