pink turtlehead
Chelone lyonii
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size2 to 4 feet tall1.5 to 2.5 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Pink
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Pink turtlehead (Chelone lyonii) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and woodland edges. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Pink tubular flowers look like turtle heads and attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Pair it with stout plants that can support its slender stems. It sits low on the menu for deer.
Pairs well with Spotted joe-pye weed, Royal fern, Switchgrass, and Cinnamon fern.
Native range
Southeastern United States.