Hot Lips Turtlehead
Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips'
In growth
JFMAMJJASOND
In bloom
JFMAMJJASOND
Planting Guide
| Spacing | 18-24 in apart |
|---|---|
| Planting depth | Crown at soil level |
| Chilling hours | 0 |
| Life expectancy | 10+ years |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Planted | 2023 |
| Bed | To Be Sorted |
Growing Conditions
| Sun | Partial Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Average to High |
| Soil type | Humusy, consistently moist to wet soil; tolerates heavy clay |
| Soil pH | 5.5-7.0 |
| Zones | 3-8 |
| Native status | Cultivar |
Appearance
| Type | Perennial |
|---|---|
| Leaf | Ovate (Egg-shaped) |
| Foliage colour | Dark green, glossy |
| Bloom | Rose pink |
| Fruit | Capsule |
| Evergreen | Herbaceous |
Root System
| System | Fibrous/Adventitious Systems |
|---|---|
| Morphology | Fine Roots (< 2 mm) |
| Function | Absorptive Roots (Lower Orders) |
| Propagation | Division in spring, softwood cuttings in early summer |
Wildlife & Safety
| Attracts | Bees, Hummingbirds |
|---|---|
| Deer | Deer Resistant |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Edibility | None |
| Companions | Lobelia cardinalis, Astilbe, Iris versicolor |
Where it came from
| Grower | Monrovia |
|---|---|
| Bought at | Kulak's Nursery |
Care
Keep soil consistently moist. Ideal for rain gardens, stream banks, or boggy areas.
Maintenance
Pinch stems in spring to encourage bushy habit. Divide every 3-4 years.
Cleanup
Cut stems to ground after frost. Leave seed heads for wildlife if desired.
Notes
Unique turtle-head shaped flowers are a late-season pollinator magnet. Thrives in wet conditions where few plants do.