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Public Plant Profile

Red Turtlehead

Chelone obliqua

Category: Perennial • Turtlehead

Discover the beauty of Red Turtlehead, a unique perennial perfect for shaded gardens and attracting pollinators.

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Mature Height: 2-3 feet

Mature Width: 1-2 feet

Bloom Color: Pink, Red

Bloom Time: Late Summer to Fall

Light: Part Sun/Part Shade

Zone: Zones 3-9

Maintenance: Moderate

Growth Rate: Moderate

Season of Interest: Summer

Foliage: Deciduous

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Red Turtlehead is a perennial plant known for its unique, turtle-shaped flowers. It thrives in moist, shady areas and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Ideal Conditions

Prefers partial to full shade and moist, rich soil. Best suited for areas with consistent moisture.

Soil Preferences

Requires well-drained soil with high organic matter. Thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Sun Needs

Part Sun/Part Shade

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

borderpollinator garden

Special Features

Attractive flowersattracts pollinators

Wildlife Value

Attracts pollinators and provides habitat for wildlife.

Resistance / Tolerance

Moderate humidity tolerance

Notes from Our Designer

Ideal for shaded areas and can create a vibrant display in moist gardens. Works well in naturalistic settings.

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Design Ideas Using This Plant

Use this page to get a feel for where Red Turtlehead may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Red Turtlehead a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

Ready to plan your landscape?

Browse more plants or reach out and we will help you choose the right combination for your space.

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