Turtlehead (Chelone obliqua) kee-LO-nay ob-LEE-kwah Genus:  Chelone Turtlehead is an excellent, sturdy, vertical perennial with rounded stems, medium texture and deep-green, boldly veined leaves on short stalks. Weather-resistant flowers are dark pink or purple, borne in short, dense, terminal spikes. The flowers are tubular 2-lipped blooms, with a sparse yellow beard inside each lower lip. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Blooms for at least 4 weeks and will continue into late summer with deadheading. Great mid-border plant. Care:  Grow in partial shade with moist soil. Will grow in dense shade, or even in full sun if soil is soggy. Tolerates heavy clay soils and will also grow in a bog garden. Propagation:  From seed in early spring. Divide in spring. Root soft-tip cuttings in late spring or early summer. Problems:  Prone to powdery mildew, rust, fungal leaf spots, and damage from slugs and snails.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium to Wet Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Native, Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage Bloom Time Late Summer, Summer Flower Color Pink, Purple Uses Beds and Borders, Waterside Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Perennials