Pink Turtlehead

About this plant

Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips', commonly known as Pink Turtlehead, is a truly captivating perennial admired for its striking, snapdragon-like flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall. These vibrant rosy-pink blossoms are clustered on robust stems, creating an eye-catching display. Its glossy dark green foliage provides a beautiful backdrop throughout the growing season, even when not in bloom. Performing best in moist, partially shaded environments, 'Hot Lips' is an excellent choice for woodland gardens, perennial borders, or naturalized areas where it can thrive in rich, consistently damp soil. This long-blooming perennial adds late-season interest, providing essential nectar for pollinators when many other plants are fading. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Pink Turtlehead is remarkably easy to care for, tolerant of wet conditions, and generally pest and disease free. Its upright, clumping habit makes it a wonderful addition for adding vertical interest and softening the edges of ponds or streams.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Requires consistently moist soil; do not allow to dry out. Best in partial shade but can tolerate full sun if soil remains adequately moist. Cut back spent flower stalks for a tidier appearance and potential rebloom. Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring to maintain vigor.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.