Rose Turtlehead is an herbaceous perennial plant with opposite leaves. It produces terminal clusters of bright pink flowers that bloom from the bottom up. The flowers are tubular in shape and resemble a turtle's head, which leads to its common name.
Pollinator Type
Bees, hummingbirds, caterpillars
Plant Type
Herbaceous perennial
Zone
5 to 9
Height
2 to 3 ft.
Spread
1 to 2 ft.
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Moisture Requirement
Medium Soil, Wet Soil
Bloom Color
White, Pink, Purple
Bloom Time
July, August, September
Design Considerations
Great option for rain gardens or areas that tend to stay wet. Shade tolerant. Great for massing or borders in native plant beds or woodland gardens.
Care and Maintenance
Dead-head faded flowers to promote more blooms. Can be cut back if foliage becomes unkempt. May need to divide every 2 to 3 years to maintain robust growth.
Pest and Diseases
Bitter foliage repels most mammals.
Establishment and Propagation
Can be planted as seed in spring or fall. Seedlings may take a year to germinate. Roots can be divided in early spring or late fall once dormant. Can self-seed.
Commercial Availability
Rarely available.
Alternative Plant Selections
White Turtlehead
Native Status
Illinois native statewide, rare in northern and central Illinois.
Fall Color
Insignificant
Growth habit
Single-stemmed upright perennial.
Number of Caterpillars that Use this as a Host Plant
