Turtlehead (Chelone) - Winnetka Plant Club | North Shore Plant Club

Turtlehead (Chelone) kee-LO-nay
Deciduous Perennial

About Turtleheads A fall blooming perennial, turtlehead gets its common name from the blossoms that resemble the shape of a turtle’s head with its mouth partly open. There are 6 species in the genus Chelone, all of which are native to North America. The genus name comes from Chelone, a nymph in Greek mythology who was punished for by the gods by turning her into a turtle. The plants are also occasionally referred to as shellflowers. They are typically found in bogs, swamps, along streams or in moist woods.

Plant Data
Mature Size	24 - 36 inches tall. 12 - 24 inches wide.
Sun Exposure	Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance	Medium - Wet: turtlehead grows best when it gets regular water,
Zones	5a - 9b (Usually hardy to -20° F)
Tags	Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Pollinators, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Filler, Full Sun, Good for Cut Flowers, Grown For Attractive Foliage, Medium, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Rabbit Resistant, Shade Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Wet, Wet Site Tolerant

Turtlehead Available Now

Turtlehead
(Chelone glabra)
From $62.78

Hot Lips Pink Turtlehead
(Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips')
From $12.75

Tiny Tortuga Turtlehead
(Chelone obliqua 'Tiny Tortuga')
From $73.35

Turtlehead 'Leiderhosen'
(Chelone glabra 'Leiderhosen')
From $71.01

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Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!

Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.

Estimated Recipe Cost

The cost of this recipe's ingredients will vary depending on the season and the sizes and varieties you select.

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