How big does Turtlehead grow?

About 90 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1 m × 30–60 cm.

What soil does Turtlehead grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay.

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Turtlehead flower?

Flowering: July–October, pink, purple, white.

How much water does Turtlehead need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Turtlehead cost?

It sells for roughly HUF 1,200 to HUF 3,400 in local shops, depending on size.

Turtlehead

Chelone obliqua

Turtlehead (Chelone obliqua) is a perennial that reaches 90 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about HUF 1,200.

Illustration of Turtlehead — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A stiffly upright perennial that flowers in late summer and autumn when little else does, with pink to purplish, turtle-head shaped blooms at the stem tips. It is happy only in rich soil that never dries out, so plant it beside a pond, in a low spot or in a bed you water regularly. Mulch it in full sun, and expect it to stretch and need support in deep shade.

Watch out for

In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe it suffers without watering: leaves scorch and powdery mildew sets in easily, especially in crowded stands with poor air movement. Slugs and snails may chew the young shoots.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: High
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 90 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D July–October, pink, purple, white

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	90 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	0.6–1 m × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	July–October, pink, purple, white
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	45 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about HUF 1,200

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. HUF 1,200 – HUF 3,400

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials for clay soil Perennials for pollinators

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