Description
Chelone – Turtlehead –
There are about 6 species of perennials, in this genus. They occur from moist woodland, prairies, and mountains of North America. The name comes from the Greek word “kelone” meaning a tortoise or turtle, and refers to the hooded, gaping flowers. They are grown for strong growth and weather resistant flowers. Turtleheads have a stiff, upright habit and produce opposite pairs of simple, toothed, hairless, glossy leaves. The white, pink, or purple flowers, borne in short dense, terminal spike or racemes, from late summer to mid autumn, are tubular and 2 lipped, with a beard on the inside of each lower lip. They are showy plants for a late summer border.
Grow in deep, fertile, moist soil in an open site in partial shade or sun. Turtleheads tolerate heavy clay soil and will also grow in a bog garden. Mulch in mid spring with well rotted manure or compost. Divide in early spring.
Prone to powdery mildew, rust, fungal leaf spots, slugs and snails.
C. lyonii – This erect perennial from mountains of Southeaster USA grows 3-4′ feet tall and 2′ feet wide. From square stems it carries long stalked, ovate to elliptic, toothed, dark green leaves, 2-6″ long. In summer it bears rosy purple flowers, 1″ long, with yellow beards.
Zones 4-9
