Contents
Description
Chelone, also known as the Turtlehead plant, is a beautiful perennial that is native to North America. It is named after the Greek word for “tortoise,” due to the shape of its flowers that resemble the head of a turtle. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall and has dark green, lance-shaped leaves that are toothed and arranged oppositely on the stem. The flowers bloom in late summer to early fall, and come in shades of pink, white, and purple, attracting bees and butterflies to the garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Chelone |
Appearance
The Chelone plant has a unique appearance due to its turtle-shaped flowers. The flowers are two-lipped, with the upper lip forming a dome and the lower lip resembling a turtle’s head. The flowers grow in clusters at the top of the stem and can be 1-2 inches long. The plant has a bushy growth habit and can spread up to 2 feet wide. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a lance shape and toothed edges. The plant blooms in late summer to early fall and can add a pop of color to any garden.
Care Guide
Chelone is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some tips for caring for your Chelone:
- Water: The plant prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilization, but can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant can tolerate partial shade to full sun, but prefers a partially shaded area.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Chelone is generally disease and pest-resistant, but can be susceptible to powdery mildew and spider mites. Powdery mildew can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Spider mites can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Chelone is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, meadows, and along stream banks. It prefers moist soil and partial shade, but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. The plant is often used in rain gardens and naturalized areas due to its ability to tolerate wet soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Chelone be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Chelone can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should I water my Chelone?
A: Chelone prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells.
Q: Can Chelone attract pollinators to my garden?
A: Yes, Chelone’s flowers attract bees and butterflies to the garden.
Q: Does Chelone die back in the winter?
A: Yes, Chelone is a deciduous plant and will die back in the winter. It will reemerge in the spring.
Related Plants
- Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii)
- Pink turtlehead (Chelone obliqua)
- White turtlehead (Chelone glabra)
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Chelone. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279846&isprofile=0&basic=chelone
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. (n.d.). Turtlehead (Chelone spp.). Retrieved from https://wimastergardener.org/article/turtlehead-chelone-spp/
- Wildflower.org. (n.d.). Chelone glabra. Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CHGL
