The turtleheads are just now coming into their own. I am not sure if this is a Chelone lyonii (Pink turtlehead) or a Chelone obliqua (Rose turtlehead) so I will satisfy myself with simply saying it is botanically in the Chelone family.I picked this turtlehead up at a plant sale somewhere. Not sure where but I am ever so happy I did. This eastern United States native is an easy to grow and propagate late summer flowering perennial. It likes part sun to mostly shade in my garden, and does well with average soil, though it can grow in bogs. Interesting note, chelones are related to penstemons. (The Southern Living Garden Book, April 99)
Can you guess where the common name comes from? The flower looks similar to a turtlehead. I think this one is deep in thought about the coming end of summer. He is rather pensive looking to me.
in the garden....
