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Description
Chelone Lyonii, commonly known as Pink Turtlehead, is a native plant of North America that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. It is a stunning plant that produces unique flowers that resemble the shape of a turtle’s head, hence the name Pink Turtlehead. The plant is mainly found in wetlands, along streams, and in moist forests.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Chelone |
Appearance
The Pink Turtlehead plant grows up to 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It has green leaves that are lanceolate and serrated. The plant produces beautiful pink flowers that are shaped like a turtle’s head. The flowers bloom in late summer and early fall and remain in bloom for several weeks. The unique flowers of the Pink Turtlehead plant make it an attractive addition to any garden.
Care Guide
The Pink Turtlehead plant is relatively easy to care for. Here are some care tips:- Water: The plant prefers moist soil, so it is essential to water it regularly.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant thrives in partial shade to full sun.- Hardiness Zones: The plant grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pink Turtlehead plant is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:- Japanese beetles: These pests can chew on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing significant damage.- Whiteflies: These pests can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves.
Habitat
The Pink Turtlehead plant is mainly found in wetlands, along streams, and in moist forests. It prefers moist soil and partial shade to full sun exposure. The plant is native to North America and is commonly found in the eastern United States.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Pink Turtlehead plant grow in dry soil?
A: No, the plant prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate dry soil.
Q: How often should I water the Pink Turtlehead plant?
A: The plant prefers moist soil, so it is essential to water it regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Q: When should I fertilize the Pink Turtlehead plant?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Q: Can the Pink Turtlehead plant grow in full sun?
A: Yes, the plant can grow in full sun, but it prefers partial shade to full sun exposure.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Pink Turtlehead:- Chelone Glabra- Chelone Obliqua- Chelone Sulphurea- Penstemon Digitalis- Lobelia Cardinalis
References
– “Chelone lyonii.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286307.- “Pink Turtlehead Plant.” The Spruce. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/pink-turtlehead-plant-4125243.
