Overview
Chelone obliqua is a perennial in the genus Chelone, part of the Plantaginaceae family. Chelone obliqua grows best in partial shade and full sun, and tolerates moist and well-drained soil soils. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, borders and naturalized areas. It is native to USA.
About
Chelone obliqua is a perennial in the Plantaginaceae that flowers in August to September. It is native to the USA and is also sold under names such as red turtlehead, rose turtlehead and pink turtlehead. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and grows in full sun or partial shade. It suits wildlife gardens, borders and naturalised areas.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Chelone obliqua
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)
In the garden
Chelone obliqua is a herbaceous perennial in the Plantaginaceae, native to the United States and known in commerce as twisted shell flower or by colour-linked names such as red, rose or pink turtlehead. Its main season of interest in the UK is late summer, with blooms appearing in August to September. Plant into moist, well-drained soil where water availability is steady rather than erratic. It will tolerate full sun where soils remain damp, and will also perform well in partial shade; choose a position that prevents the rootzone from drying out. No hardiness rating is provided here, so observe a trial planting in your site if you are unsure about exposure. Use Chelone obliqua in naturalised corners, wildlife-focused beds or mixed borders where moisture is reliable. Planted in groups it suits wetter stretches alongside paths or at the back of a border where late-summer flowering can complement other perennials. Expect its flowering period to be concentrated in August to September, which can help bridge the gap between high summer and autumn-flowering plants.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Chelone
- Sunlight
- partial shade, full sun
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained soil
- Soil moisture
- moist
Plant details
Chelone obliqua size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- wildlife gardens, borders, naturalized areas
- Native to
- USA
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Chelone obliqua
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, rich soil; tolerates partial shade to full sun; benefits from mulching to retain moisture
- Pruning
- Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- division, seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Chelone obliqua?
Prefers moist, rich soil; tolerates partial shade to full sun; benefits from mulching to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Chelone obliqua?
Chelone obliqua prefers partial shade and full sun.
What soil does Chelone obliqua need?
Chelone obliqua grows best in moist and well-drained soil soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Chelone obliqua?
Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How do I propagate Chelone obliqua?
Division, seed.
