How to Grow Pink Turtlehead
The Pink Turtlehead, or Chelone, is an easy perennial to grow in zones 4 to 9 and is well-suited for a shade garden. It has glossy green foliage adorned in late summer and early fall by short spikes of hooded flowers in shades of pink, white, rose, and purple. They range in height from 2 to 4 feet, so they look exceptional surrounded by smaller green plants. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plan ahead and properly prepare the planting site and this perennial will require very little maintenance. The Pink Turtlehead likes cool wet feet so set it in moisture-retentive soil, amended with organic matter and top with a good summer mulch to keep it cool.
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Water thoroughly and consistently, not allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
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Pinch the tips of the plant back periodically before blooming. This will encourage a fuller and bushier look. The beautiful blooms are very irregular in shape with tips that look like a turtle's open mouth. As they grow taller, it may become necessary to provide support.
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Leave the dead stems on these plants during the winter. This, along with the mulch will help keep them warm. Cut the dead stems off in spring before the new foliage appears.
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Divide the pink turtlehead every few years as it is a rapid grower. Friends will love to get a start of this truly unusual perennial.
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Tips & Warnings
To start this plant from seed, sow the seed directly into the ground in the fall.
