September Plant of the Month: Turtlehead

Submitted by the Bath Gamma Garden Club

As the summer flowering perennials begin to fade, chelone oblique, commonly known as turtlehead, takes center stage in the late summer garden. Turtlehead is a clump-forming perennial native to eastern North America. It is not considered invasive.

The flowers resemble a snapdragon bloom and start blooming in August for 3-6 weeks. A few varieties may even bloom in October and November. The turtlehead got its name from its resemblance to a snapping turtle’s head and stems from Greek mythology. A nymph called Chelone, who insulted the gods, was turned into a turtle.

Turtlehead grows on an upright stem with dark green leaves that are a toothed and oval shape. Flowers range from pink to purple to white with pink being the most commonly available in our area. Chelone oblique, or, “tiny tortuga” is a dwarf cultivar with pink-rose flowers; chelone lyonii, or “hot lips” has pink flowers and is another cultivar found in our area.

Chelone is native to boggy areas. In a home garden, they will thrive in a rich, moist soil with a neutral to acidic pH between 6-7. Prevent soil from drying out with leaf mulch. They are best planted in spring to early summer. Fertilize once in spring after the first year planted.

As a woodland flower, turtlehead grows in filtered light beneath the tree canopy and tolerates part shade. More sun will increase flowering if the plants are not stressed from lack of moisture. They do not tolerate hot, dry conditions.

Mature size of chelone is 2-3 feet tall by 1-2 feet wide. Once established, they spread through rhizomes underground. Turtlehead is easily propagated through division in early spring when the new growth is at least one inch tall. Lift the clump and separate with at least three established shoots per section. Remember to water well, keep moist and only fertilize the second year.

Since they are late bloomers, there is no need to deadhead. Let the flower heads dry and collect the pea-shaped seed heads to sow or let them self-sow.    

The nectar of turtlehead attracts bees and other pollinators and is the host plant of the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly. Deer and rabbits tend to leave Turtlehead alone. It is not toxic to pets. Although pests typically don’t affect it, it is prone to powdery mildew and leaf spot disease. To prevent this, allow for good air circulation and water at the base of the plant instead of spraying the foliage.

Good companion plants include Joe Pye Weed, Queen of the Prairie, Aster, Toad Lily, Cardinal Flower and Buttonbush.

If you have a good wet spot by a downspout and are wondering what to plant, consider turtlehead to fill that spot. Turtlehead is considered an endangered species and rare wildflower in some states. ∞

Photo: Turtlehead plant. Photo submitted.