Overview

Chelone glabra 'Black Ace' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Chelone, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Chelone glabra 'Black Ace' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and clay soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.

About

Chelone glabra 'Black Ace' is a bushy, deciduous perennial cultivar within the Chelone genus, known for its paired, undivided leaves and compact spikes of tubular, two-lipped flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suited to a variety of soil types, including loam and clay, with moisture levels ranging from moist but well-drained to poorly drained. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is ideal for sheltered positions in cottage and informal gardens or flower borders. It flowers from late summer to early autumn, adding seasonal interest during spring and summer.

About the genus

Chelone is a genus of four species of perennial herbaceous plants native to eastern North America. They all have similarly shaped flowers, which vary in color from white to red, purple or pink. Chelone cuthbertii, C.

Wikipedia contributors, "Chelone (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0Chelone (plant)

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Chelone

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Loam, Clay
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Chelone glabra 'Black Ace' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chelone glabra 'Black Ace'

Propagation
Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in early spring; by division in spring; root soft tip cuttings in late spring or early summer
Pest resistance
Slugs and snails

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Chelone glabra 'Black Ace'?

Chelone glabra 'Black Ace' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chelone glabra 'Black Ace' need?

Chelone glabra 'Black Ace' grows best in loam and clay soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.

Is Chelone glabra 'Black Ace' hardy in the UK?

Chelone glabra 'Black Ace' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Chelone glabra 'Black Ace'?

Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in early spring; by division in spring; root soft tip cuttings in late spring or early summer.

More in the Chelone genus

Browse all Chelone