Chelone obliqua 'Tiny Tortuga'
Turtlehead
DESCRIPTION
TurtleheadChelone obliqua 'Tiny Tortuga'
A tiny turtlehead with all the flower power of its taller brothers, this native cultivar features uniquely shaped, hot pink blooms atop lustrous dark green leaves with a bronzy sheen. Flowers reminiscent of turtles' mouths persist from mid-summer into fall, a favorite of butterflies but distasteful to deer. It's very compact habit is a great choice for mixed containers, or let it spread ever so slowly in the landscape along pond and stream edges, rain gardens, or perennial borders.
BENEFITS
- Bright pink flowers shine above the deep green foliage
- Attracts butterflies, bumblebees and hummingbirds
- Great for pond and stream edges, rain gardens or perennial borders
- Bitter foliage is avoided by deer and rabbits
- Dwarf compact habit, great for containers
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Found in nutrient-rich leaf mold of the forest floor or creek bank.
Interesting Facts
Chelone (rhymes with "baloney") was a nymph in Greek mythology who insulted the gods by ridiculing or not attending (versions vary) the marriage of Zeus to Hera. The gods punished her by turning her into a turtle.
GROWING TIPS
Prefers deep, rich soil but other than that needs no special care other than consistent moisture.