Hot Lips Turtlehead

Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips'

American Beauties®

Vibrant Pink Turtle Lips Flowers Bloom Late Summer Through Fall on Native Appalachian Wildflower
Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Pink Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This plant performs best with 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight, favoring morning sun and afternoon shade to protect the foliage from scorching. While it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, ample moisture is non-negotiable to maintain leaf color and bloom production.
Soil: Hot Lips thrives in rich, organic soil that stays consistently moist, making it an excellent choice for bog gardens or clay-heavy spots. If your soil is sandy and drains too quickly, amend it heavily with compost or peat moss to act like a sponge for the roots.

Watering Requirements

This perennial loves "wet feet" and needs consistent moisture during the establishment period to develop a strong root system. Even when established, it is not drought-tolerant; inconsistent watering will quickly result in drooping leaves and crispy brown edges. Keep the soil evenly damp to ensure lush foliage and a full display of late-summer blooms.

Pruning Tips

Since Hot Lips Turtlehead blooms on new wood, you should cut the old stems back to the ground in early spring before fresh growth appears. For a bushier plant that is less likely to flop over, pinch the stems back by about half in late spring. This "haircut" delays blooming slightly but results in a sturdier, more compact plant.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring as new shoots begin to emerge from the soil. Avoid fertilizing late in the summer, as this encourages soft, new growth that may be damaged by the first frost.

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Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Flowering, Wet Soils, Clay Tolerant, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts pollinators, Deer-resistant, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	High
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Pink
Foliage Color	Green
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Container
Botanical Name	Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips'
Species	lyonii
Cultivar	Hot Lips
Class	Lamiales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

This is an elegant native beauty with a funny name. Even if your visitors won't be able to keep a straight face after asking you about it, the Hot Lips Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips') is a really special wetland wildflower.

This flowering native springs to life with pink, puffy corollas that look ready to give you a smooch, flowering from the bottom of the spire up. Lasting from late summer through fall! These flowers are bell-shaped, with the lower petal that extends out with fine yellow hairs (imagine a pink turtle's head sticking out his yellow tongue). Being natives with a wide variability, the flowers can range in color from hot pink to periwinkle and lavender.

Pollinators won't care which color they are because bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds will happily stop by all growing season for the nectar! If you're looking for late-season blooms, it's happy to fulfill that request. Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 3 to 8, they grow well in a wide range of conditions, including wet soil which seems impossible to plant in.

Landscape Application:

The Hot Lips Turtlehead's pink flowers are gorgeous in relation to its deep green foliage. This plant's branches fill with forest-green lance-shaped leaves. These leaves first emerge a dark golden brown before unfurling to their verdant green. Use them as a great backdrop to other plants in your mixed perennial garden, cut flower gardens, or show them off in the cottage border.

Create groupings or specimen plantings with these unique plants and be sure to put a plaque with their name to catch everyone's eye! People aren't the only ones who admire this delightful plant. The pastel blooms cast a spell over bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds! With such fantastic color, you'll want to be sure you snap a few pictures when these pollinators visit.

This perennial would also be a great addition to your native plantings, wildflower gardens, and wetland prairie gardens, perfect for that damp shady area where other plants struggle to thrive. Because this plant also enjoys more shade and moisture, it does well in woodland gardens and along ponds. Try it in a Rain Garden to absorb rain runoff in a soggy spot in the yard!

Soft Pink Flowers On Tall Flowering Stems
Deep Green Foliage
Tolerates Wet Soil & Shade
Native Plant Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds & Other Pollinators
Rain Gardens, Groupings, Native Wetland Plantings & Garden Borders

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Gardeners adore this plant's ability to thrive in less-than-perfect conditions. This fast-growing perennial does well in shade and partial shade. It even tolerates medium to high moisture soils of almost any type.

Trim the flowers once they get sparse and leggy to encourage a rebloom and prune back the entire plant in the autumn once the foliage is killed by frost and you notice any hint of powdery mildew or other foliar issues. You can also prune in the early spring before new growth emerges, but be sure to remove all old debris and add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to boost organic matter.

Full Sun in Cooler Zones, Part Shade Everywhere & Shade In Hot Climates
Well-Drained Soil Of Any Kind
Moderate to High Moisture
Deadhead To Encourage Rebloom/Prune Fall/Spring
Not A Favorite Of Deer

The Hot Lips Turtlehead is sure to bring a buzz to your backyard. Not just because bees adore it, but because it has such gorgeous pink blooms! Order this pretty perennial selection today at NatureHills.com!

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Growing Zones 3-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and width of Hot Lips Turtlehead?

Hot Lips Turtlehead typically reaches 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide at maturity. This native perennial forms upright clumps with sturdy stems that support the pink flower spikes from late summer through fall. Plant 18-24 inches apart for proper spacing.

What are the soil requirements for Hot Lips Turtlehead, especially moisture levels?

Hot Lips Turtlehead thrives in wet soil conditions where most perennials struggle. Hardy in zones 3-8, it's perfect for consistently moist to boggy areas and tolerates standing water. Plant it in that troublesome damp spot in your garden - shop at Nature Hills for this wetland native.

Is Hot Lips Turtlehead deer resistant?

Hot Lips Turtlehead is generally deer resistant, as most native Chelone species are naturally avoided by deer. This makes it an excellent choice for zones 3-8 gardens where deer browsing is a concern. Plant it in your wetland areas or mixed perennial borders for reliable late-summer blooms without deer damage.

What are the planting instructions for Hot Lips Turtlehead from bare root or potted?

Plant Hot Lips Turtlehead in partial shade to full sun in consistently moist to wet soil. This native perennial thrives in zones 3-8 and tolerates poor drainage where other plants struggle. Space plants 18-24 inches apart and plant at the same depth as the container or root crown.

How do I care for Hot Lips Turtlehead in winter, and is it evergreen?

Hot Lips Turtlehead is not evergreen and dies back to the ground after frost in zones 3-8. The roots are completely winter hardy, so simply cut stems to 2-3 inches in late fall. No other winter protection is needed for this tough native perennial available at naturehills.com.

Can Hot Lips Turtlehead be grown in containers or rain gardens?

Hot Lips Turtlehead thrives in wet soil conditions, making it excellent for rain gardens in zones 3-8. It can grow in containers but requires consistent moisture. Plant in areas with poor drainage or boggy spots where other perennials struggle.

What pollinators does Hot Lips Turtlehead attract, like butterflies or hummingbirds?

Hot Lips Turtlehead attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the growing season with its nectar-rich blooms. The pastel pink flowers are especially valuable for late-season pollinators, blooming from late summer through fall. Plant in groups for maximum pollinator impact.

Is Hot Lips Turtlehead low maintenance, and does it need deadheading or pruning?

Hot Lips Turtlehead is very low maintenance once established in zones 3-8. As a native wetland plant, it thrives with minimal care and doesn't require deadheading since flowers naturally progress up the spire from late summer through fall. Simply cut back spent stems in late fall or early spring.

Hot Lips Turtlehead

Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips'