Overview
Chelone lyonii is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Chelone, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Chelone lyonii 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 lyonii, the pink turtlehead or Lyon's shell flower, is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae. It is native to wet areas of the southern Appalachian Mountains of the United States. A deer-tolerant perennial, it is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8, and is recommended for shady and wet situations, although it can handle full sun. The unimproved species and a number of cultivars are commercially available, including 'Hot Lips' and 'Pink Temptation'. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and loam and clay soil. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, poorly-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing, north-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Chelone lyonii
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 4.0 — Chelone (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 lyonii 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 lyonii
- 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 lyonii?
Chelone lyonii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Chelone lyonii need?
Chelone lyonii 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 lyonii hardy in the UK?
Chelone lyonii 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 lyonii?
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.
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More in the Chelone genus
- Chelone obliquatwisted shell flower
- Chelone obliqua 'Alba'Red Turtlehead
- Chelone obliqua 'Praecox Nana'Red Turtlehead