White Turtlehead
Chelone obliqua 'Alba'
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, 9
Water
Moist
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Chelone obliqua, commonly known as Turtlehead, is a perennial plant with upright stems, lance-shaped green leaves, and distinctive tubular, snapdragon-like white flowers that bloom in late summer to fall. The Alba cultivar features pure white flowers that provide a refined and elegant appearance, making it a striking addition to woodland and border plantings.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist during growing season
- Place in partial shade for best flowering
- Mulch around base to retain moisture
- Water regularly, especially in dry periods
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring
Pro Tip
Ensure soil remains moist and mulch well to promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth
Don't
- Avoid dry or overly wet soil ❌
- Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen formulas
- Do not ignore pest signs
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pinch |
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
White Turtlehead questions
What zones can White Turtlehead grow in?
White Turtlehead is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is White Turtlehead deer resistant?
Yes — White Turtlehead is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does White Turtlehead bloom?
White Turtlehead typically blooms in late summer to early fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does White Turtlehead need full sun?
White Turtlehead does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
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Grow White Turtlehead with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
