Chelone Hot Lips Pink Turtlehead

Chelone Hot Lips Pink Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii) is a flowering perennial native to Missouri. In moist soil and partial sun, it grows 2 to 4 feet tall with erect and stiff stems holding white flower clusters.

Its common name comes from the blooms resemblance to the inside of a turtles mouth. They pop up in late summer to autumn with hot pink blooms. Although the flower clusters are big and bold, they usually do not need stakes unless the perennial is planted in a heavily shaded area.

Pink Turtlehead is a perfect addition to shaded or woodland gardens. While other perennials may not be able to tolerate wet, rich soils around ponds or bogs, the Chelone lyonii thrives in them.

Hot pink, snapdragon-like flowers bloom atop rich, dark green foliage in late summer. Great for wet areas along streams or ponds, or in rain gardens.