Chelone obliqua

Now endangered in some states of its native North America, Chelone obliqua is a clump-forming perennial with dark green foliage looking good all summer on upright stems. In August, the spikes of deep pink flowers start to appear and last for many weeks. Their shape is said to resemble turtles’ heads hence the name Chelone, meaning turtle-like in Greek. Twisted shell flower and turtlehead are common names.

Although it thrives in rather shady water’s edge and boggy situations, it tolerates drier conditions and heavy clay soil. As it is an easy and handsome plant which has been in cultivation since John Bartram introduced it in 1752, it is surprising that it is not seen more.

The Chelones have been moved, along with their close relatives, the Penstemons, to the Plantain family (Plantaginaceae).

This clump is growing on the west side of the Mixed Borders; more is behind the Pavilions.