Pink turtlehead 'Hot Lips'

Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips' is a robust and dependable late-summer perennial that brings a splash of vibrant colour to the UK garden. It is named for its unusual, lipped flowers that resemble the head of a turtle, appearing in a vivid, deep pink. The blooms are held in dense spikes atop sturdy, upright stems that do not require staking. The foliage is equally attractive, consisting of dark green, glossy, serrated leaves that remain healthy and pest-free throughout the season. This plant is fully hardy and thrives in moist to wet soils, making it an excellent choice for heavy clay or for planting near water. While it prefers full sun, it will happily grow in partial shade, provided the ground remains damp. 'Hot Lips' is often used to add late-season interest to a herbaceous border or a bog garden, where its unique flower shape and rich colour provide a much-needed boost as other plants begin to fade.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist to wet, fertile loam.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Aug, Sep, Oct.