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Description
Chelonopsis Souliei, also known as Turtlehead, is a perennial plant belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. Originating from China, Korea and Japan, it grows up to 60 cm tall, producing beautiful white or pink flowers. The plant’s leaves are dark green, lance-shaped, and glossy, and typically grow to be around 15 cm long. The plant’s scientific name, Chelonopsis Souliei, is derived from the Greek words “chelone,” meaning turtle, and “opsis,” meaning resemblance, due to its flower’s resemblance to a turtle’s head.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Chelonopsis |
Appearance
Chelonopsis Souliei is a beautiful plant, with white or pink flowers that resemble a turtle’s head. Its leaves are dark green, lance-shaped, and glossy, and typically grow to be around 15 cm long. The plant usually grows up to 60 cm tall and 45 cm wide, and it blooms from late summer until early fall.
Care Guide
Chelonopsis Souliei is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you care for your Turtlehead plant:
Water
Chelonopsis Souliei requires regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Fertilize your Chelonopsis Souliei plant monthly with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season (spring to fall).
Soil
Chelonopsis Souliei prefers well-draining, fertile soil that has a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. It can also tolerate clay soil.
Sunlight
Chelonopsis Souliei prefers partial shade to full sun, but it can also tolerate full shade.
Hardiness Zones
Chelonopsis Souliei is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Chelonopsis Souliei is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can still be affected by some common issues such as slugs, snails, and spider mites. To prevent these problems, you can use a copper-based fungicide or insecticide. Additionally, avoid overwatering your plant as it can lead to root rot.
Habitat
Chelonopsis Souliei is native to China, Korea, and Japan, and it grows in a wide range of habitats, including forests, meadows, and riverbanks. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Chelonopsis Souliei a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Chelonopsis Souliei is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Q: When does Chelonopsis Souliei bloom?
A: Chelonopsis Souliei blooms from late summer until early fall.
Q: Can Chelonopsis Souliei tolerate full shade?
A: Yes, Chelonopsis Souliei can tolerate full shade, but it prefers partial shade to full sun.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Chelonopsis Souliei plant?
A: Fertilize your Chelonopsis Souliei plant monthly with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season (spring to fall).
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Chelonopsis Souliei:
- Plantago major
- Veronica spicata
- Penstemon digitalis
- Scrophularia nodosa
References
- “Chelonopsis Souliei,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed September 22, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c128.
- “Chelonopsis Souliei,” Plant Delights Nursery, accessed September 22, 2021, https://www.plantdelights.com/products/chelonopsis-souliei.
- “Chelonopsis Souliei,” North Carolina State University, accessed September 22, 2021, https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/chelonopsis-souliei/.
