Chelone obliqua (Twisted Shell Flower)

Showy and long-lived, Chelone obliqua (Twisted Shell Flower) is an erect, clump-forming perennial with showy terminal spikes of two-lipped, dusky deep pink or purple flowers from late summer into fall. The hooded flowers are shaped like turtle heads just emerging from the shell, hence the common name. Attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, they rise above a bushy mound of dark green foliage that remains handsome all season long. The coarsely-toothed, prominently veined, lance-shaped leaves, 8 in. long (20 cm), are arranged in pairs along the stems. Cultivated since the middle of the 18th century, Twisted Shell Flower is valued for its lovely and long-lasting foliage. It is terrific for bog gardens and water gardens.

Top underused or uncommon perennials for your garden - David Domoney

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Chelone obliqua TWISTED SHELL FLOWER - SeedScape

Chelone obliqua (Twisted Shell Flower)

Chelone obliqua 'red turtlehead' or twisted shell flowers in bloom

Chelone Chelone obliqua - The Beth Chatto Gardens

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Chelone obliqua - Twisted shell flower (102950) - flowermedia

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