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Genus Chelone (Turtlehead)

Chelone obliqua Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

kee-LO-nay Common Name: Turtlehead

The genus Chelone is comprised of a handful of perennials from North America grown for their sturdy dispositions and white, pink, or purple flowers that resemble turtle heads. The spikes of tubular, 2-lipped flowers bloom late in the summer to the middle of autumn. Chelone work well in a damp border, bog garden, shade garden, or at waterside.
Noteworthy characteristics: Blooms from late summer into fall. Weather resistant. Tolerates boggy soil.
Care: Turtleheads need part shade or full sun and deep, moist, fertile soil. They can take heavier or boggy soil as well.
Propagation: Sow seed in a cold frame or divide in spring. Take soft-tip cuttings in late spring or early summer.
Problems: Snails and slugs may feed on plants. Also prone to powdery mildew, rust, and fungal leaf spots.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Chelone

Chelone obliqua
(Turtlehead)

(4 user reviews)

Hardiness Zones:

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.