Santa Rosa Gardens

The Greek word 'chelone' means tortoise, referring to these turtle-head shaped blooms. A showstopper in the late summer-early fall shade garden, adding vertical form and late summer color. Deep green foliage and rosy, lipstick-shade flowers on dark red stems. Grows very well in deep, fertile, moist compost-enriched garden soil topped off with with an organic mulch. They tolerate heavy clay and will grow well in a peat bog garden. Full sun in cooler climates, to filtered shade in the south. Provide adequate moisture.  Excellent for attracting butterflies to the garden! Excellent cut flower (see additional tips under the 'notes' tab), and considered deer resistant when mature.

Unique addition to an indoor bouquet, where you can entertain children with this fun bloom. Pick when just beginning to open, for longest vase life, up to 7 days.