© Qwert1234, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Chelonopsis spp.
false turtlehead
Overview
Chelonopsis is a genus of about sixteen herbaceous perennials and soft-wooded subshrubs in the mint family, Lamiaceae, distributed across temperate and subtropical eastern Asia from the Himalayas through China to Japan. Plants carry the square stems and opposite, toothed leaves typical of the family, growing 1.5-5 feet (45-150 cm) tall depending on species. The leaves are lance-shaped to ovate, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, with serrated margins. From mid-summer into autumn, the upper leaf axils and stem tips produce tubular, two-lipped flowers 1-1.6 inches (2.5-4 cm) long in shades of rose-pink, mauve, and purple, often with darker spotting in the throat; the inflated corolla resembles that of Chelone, to which the genus is unrelated despite the similar name. Species grow naturally in mountain woodland, on grassy slopes, and along streams, generally in moist but freely draining ground. C. moschata and C. yagiharana are the species most often cultivated. The genus is little known in gardens outside Asia. One limitation is cold sensitivity: most species are reliably hardy only to about zone 6 or 7, and the subshrubby kinds can be cut back by hard frost. Plants reach flowering size within two to three seasons.
Native Range
Chelonopsis is native to eastern and southern Asia, ranging from the Himalayas of India and Nepal through southwestern and central China to Korea and Japan. Species occupy mountain woodland margins, grassy slopes, and streambanks at moderate to high elevations.Suggested Uses
Used in woodland-edge plantings, shaded borders, and moist mixed beds among ferns and shade perennials. Combines with Anemone and Kirengeshoma in part-shade schemes. Suited to collectors of Asian woodland flora.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 5'
Width/Spread1'6" - 3'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
rose-pink to purpleFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Chelonopsis in part shade to full sun in moist, humus-rich soil that drains freely. Consistent moisture during the growing season suits the genus, though waterlogged winter soil can rot the crown. A position sheltered from strong wind reduces damage to the tall, somewhat lax stems. In zones at the cold edge of its range, a winter mulch over the crown reduces losses. Plants need little feeding beyond an annual topdressing of compost. Slugs can damage emerging spring shoots.Pruning
Stems can be cut back to the ground in late autumn after frost blackens the foliage, or left until early spring in colder areas to shelter the crown. On subshrubby species, winter-killed shoots can be removed in spring once new growth shows. A single pinch of tall species in early summer reduces flopping.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fallearly spring