Chelone Tiny Tortuga

Turtlehead

Sorry Sold Out

Hot-pink hooded flowers.

A moisture-loving, dwarf variety! Tortuga, turtle or tortoise in Spanish, lives up to its name as the slowly spreading upright habit produces hot-pink hooded flowers that resemble the heads of open-mouthed turtles.

Chelone form bushy mounds of dark bronze-green glossy foliage. Showy and long-lived!

Note: This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.

Hot-pink hooded flowers.

A moisture-loving, dwarf variety! Tortuga, turtle or tortoise in Spanish, lives up to its name as the slowly spreading upright habit produces hot-pink hooded flowers that resemble the heads of open-mouthed turtles.

Chelone form bushy mounds of dark bronze-green glossy foliage. Showy and long-lived!

Code CHTT

Patent Pending

Plant Type Perennials

Species obliqua

Height Medium 18-24""

Spacing Plant 12"" apart

Bloom Time Late Summer to Early Fall

Sun / Shade Full Sun to Half Sun / Half Shade

Zones 4-9

Soil Type Normal, Clay, Sandy

Water Needs High

Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Features

  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Good for Cut Flowers

Planting Sites

  • Wet Site Tolerant

Chelone General Information

These plants are late risers in the spring. Thrives in poorly drained sites - prefers shade, woodland or bog gardens. Planting in irregular groups gives masses of flower and foliage. Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

Chelone Plant Care

Prune or pinch in early spring to control height and promote bushiness. These plants prefer highly organic soil and consistent moisture. Can be divided every 2-3 years or in spring or after flowering in fall. Seedheads are attractive so they can be left on for added winter interest. If you prefer to control self-sowing, cut entire plant to ground during fall cleanup.

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% unconditional guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zone 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zone 8: Late March to Early April
  • Zone 9, 10: Late March

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October

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