Rain Garden Plants: Pink Turtlehead
Pink turtlehead is in the plantain family (Plantaginaceae). It has a central stem and produces spikes of snapdragon-like flowers. The two-lipped, tubular flowers grow on a terminal spike and resemble turtle heads. Its dark-green, lance-shaped leaves are coarsely toothed, hairless, and grow opposite on stems. It is a source of pollen and nectar for bumblebees, butterflies, other insects, and hummingbirds. Resistant to deer and rabbits. Has no serious pest problems. Leave plant standing in winter and pinch back in spring.Â
- Height: 1 to 3 feet
- Bloom color: Pink, yellow
- Bloom time: August to September
- Hardiness zone: 4 to 7
- Salt tolerance: N/A
- Spreading habit: Upright; colonizes; with adequate moisture, large clumps will develop over time
Site Conditions
- Sun: Sun/partial shade
- Soil: Wet soil
- Hydrologic zone: Wet/moist
Source
The Morton Arboretum, "Trees and Plants List."
Penn State Extension, "Hot Lips" Pink Turtlehead
Prepared by Jessica Chou, Jodi Sulpizio, and Constance Schmotzer. Finalized by Jodi Sulpizio.
For a printable PDF version of this article, contact Jodi Sulpizio at jrb143@psu.edu.Â
