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Turtlehead

Chelone Obliqua

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Overview

Chelone obliqua, commonly called Turtlehead, is a herbaceous perennial boasting tightly-clustered, deep pink blossoms resembling a turtle's head. Thriving in zones 3-8, it reaches 2-3 feet in height and spreads 2 feet wide. Preferring moist, fertile soil and partial shade, it's ideal for rain gardens or woodland borders. Blooms appear late summer to fall, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Foliage is lance-shaped, glossy, and deep green. Requires minimal maintenance once established.

Sun Full, Half, ShadeWater High, MediumZones 3–9Type PerennialClimate Temperate
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — It prefers fertile, humus-rich soil that is well-draining, yet moisture-retentive; scientifically known as Chelone obliqua

Culture

Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Water
High, Medium
USDA zones
3–9

Shape & size

Mature height
2–3 Ft.
Mature width
1–2 Ft.

Classification

Type
Perennial
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (76)

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — reaching a mature height of approximately 2 to 3 feet and spreading roughly 1 to 2 feet wide; perennial for full or half or shade
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — The unique common name arises from its distinctive flowers
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — Requires minimal maintenance once established; perennial with pink blooms, image 62
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — is a herbaceous perennial boasting tightly-clustered; clump-forming beauty is a focal point in any garden, image 56
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — Foliage is lance-shaped, glossy, and deep green; presenting a striking contrast against the lush, image 61
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — which closely resemble the head of a turtle with an open mouth, image 68
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — reaching a mature height of approximately 2 to 3 feet and spreading roughly 1 to 2 feet wide
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — including the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly which relies on it as a host plant for its larvae
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — scientifically known as Chelone obliqua
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — perennial for full or half or shade
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — Requires minimal maintenance once established
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — Foliage is lance-shaped, glossy, and deep green
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — scientifically known as Chelone obliqua; blooms appear late summer to fall, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — which grow up to 6 inches long.<br><br>Best planted in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — It prefers fertile, humus-rich soil that is well-draining, yet moisture-retentive
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — Requires minimal maintenance once established; perennial with pink blooms
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — deep pink blossoms resembling a turtle's head; these blooms grow along the top of the erect, image 57
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — Preferring moist, fertile soil and partial shade, it's ideal for rain gardens or woodland borders
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — Turtlehead flowers are noted for their rich pink to rose-purple color
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — hence the term "turtlehead."<br><br>Bearing blooms from late summer to early fall
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — commonly called Turtlehead; thriving in zones 3-8, it reaches 2-3 feet in height and spreads 2 feet wide
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — which closely resemble the head of a turtle with an open mouth, image 41
Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — perennial for full or half or shade; including the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly which relies on it as a host plant for its
Chelone Obliqua
Photographs by 10 contributors

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