Hot Lips Turtlehead
Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
30 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Chelone lyonii, commonly known as turtlehead, is known for its distinctive turtle-head-shaped flowers. The 'Hot Lips' cultivar is particularly noted for its bright red flowers and robust growth habit.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage root growth.
- Plant in well-drained soil with partial shade for optimal growth.
- Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced organic fertilizer.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Use organic compost to enrich soil and promote lush foliage.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Prune after flowering to shape the plant and remove dead stems
- Feed with organic fertilizer in spring for vigorous growth
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't expose to harsh full sun in hot climates
- Refrain from using synthetic chemicals on the plant
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Hot Lips Turtlehead questions
What zones can Hot Lips Turtlehead grow in?
Hot Lips Turtlehead is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Hot Lips Turtlehead deer resistant?
Yes — Hot Lips Turtlehead is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Hot Lips Turtlehead bloom?
Hot Lips Turtlehead typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Hot Lips Turtlehead need full sun?
Hot Lips Turtlehead does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
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See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
