Chelone Tiny Tortuga

CHTT Turtlehead

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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!

Minus icon Plant Type Perennials

Minus icon Height Medium 18-24""

Minus icon Spacing Plant 12"" apart

Minus icon Bloom Time Late Summer to Early Fall

Minus icon Sun / Shade Full Sun to Half Sun / Half Shade

Minus icon Growing Zones 4-9

Minus icon Soil Type Normal, Clay, Sandy

Minus icon Water Needs High

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

Special Features

  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Good for Cut Flowers
  • Wet Site Tolerant

Botanical Name

Chelone obliqua 'Tiny Tortuga' (Pending)

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.

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.

Minus icon All potted plant material is restricted from shipping to Idaho

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% 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

  • Zones 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
  • Zones 8, 9 10: Early April

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