Featured Plant of The Day: Pink Turtlehead

Chelone lyonii
    Pink Turtlehead

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    3A to 8A
Height    24" to 30" / 60cm to 75cm
Spread    24" to 36" / 60cm to 90cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence    Deciduous

Bloom Color    Pink
Bloom Time    Summer and Fall

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant will grow in moist to wet soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green

Native Habitat
Southern United States.

 Landscape Uses
-    Border
-    Foundation planting
-    Massing
-    Specimen

 Attributes and Features
-    Wetlands plant
-    Attracts birds
-    Attracts butterflies
-    Sensitive to humidity

Culture Notes
This plant prefers wet sites, but will adapt to the average garden.  It looks great when planted alongside a pond's edge.  Prune in the summer to reduce height, if desired.  Deadhead after blooming, and spring cut to basal foliage.  Division can be done in the spring.  Cuttings can be taken in the summer.  Seeds can be gathered after flowers are spent in late summer or early fall. This plant had a poor performance during the '98 season, resulting in sporadic and weak blooms.  Plants are hosts for butterfly larvae.