Chelone ‘Hot Lips’

Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips'

Chelone lyonii ‘Hot Lips’, commonly known as Pink Turtlehead, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial that adds vibrant color and texture to gardens. Its upright stems bear clusters of rosy-pink, snapdragon-like flowers from late summer to early fall. These blooms, resembling the heads of turtles, attract butterflies and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. The plant’s dark green, coarsely toothed foliage provides a lush backdrop for its showy flowers, and its red-tinged stems add further visual interest.

Native to the southern Appalachian Mountains, Chelone ‘Hot Lips’ thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3–8. It prefers moist, rich, humusy soils and performs best in part shade to full shade, although it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates if kept consistently moist. This perennial grows to a mature height of 2–4 feet and spreads 1.5–2.5 feet, making it ideal for borders, rain gardens, or naturalized areas.

Care Instructions for Chelone lyonii ‘Hot Lips’

• Light Requirements: Thrives in part shade to full shade. In cooler climates, it can tolerate full sun if soil moisture is maintained.
• Soil Needs: Prefers moist, rich, well-draining soils. It adapts to wet conditions, making it suitable for rain gardens or areas with poor drainage.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
• Pruning: Pinch back stems in spring to encourage bushier growth and reduce mature height. Cut back spent flower stems in late fall or early spring.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
• Winter Care: Mulch around the base in colder regions to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
• Propagation: Divide clumps every 2–3 years in early spring to maintain vigor and control spread.

Chelone ‘Hot Lips’ is a reliable and visually captivating perennial that thrives in moist, shaded environments. Its vibrant flowers, adaptability, and low-maintenance nature make it a standout choice for enhancing woodland gardens, borders, or water features.