GARDENS OF THE GODS Chelone (Turtlehead)
Posted by John Friel on Aug 28th 2020
GARDENS OF THE GODS
Chelone(Turtlehead)
In Greek mythology, the nymph Chelone was invited to the wedding of Zeus and Hera. But she couldn’t be bothered, preferring to stay home.
Miffed, the gods flung Chelone and her precious house into a river and transformed both into a hybrid: a turtle. She would never have to (or be able to) leave home again.
That legend lives on in the perennial palette as Chelone, a.k.a. “turtlehead” due to the beaked flower. You have to squint a little to see the resemblance.
Rosy, lipstick-pink flowers in late summer over deep green glossy foliage. Plants grow 2 – 3’ tall. Pinch in spring if a shorter stand is desired. Hardy in USDA Zones 3-9.
C. obliqua Tiny Tortuga™ (‘Armtipp02’) PP25350
This US native was Dutch-bred for compact habit, shorter stature and heavy bloom of hot pink flowers. Height: 18 – 24”. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-8.
CULTURE NOTES
Like its mythological namesake, this genus likes to be around water. It can tolerate drying out, but is happiest in rich, moist humus-y soil in full sun to part shade.
Both species are native to North America. They generally have no serious insect or disease issues, and are attractive to butterflies.
So remember: RSVP promptly when summoned to divine nuptials. Take a nice gift. And grow your legend with smooth-planting, fast-finishing 72-cell Chelone liners from Emerald Coast Growers – the easy choice!