A moisture lover, Hot Lips Turtle Head, Chelone lyonii, explodes with tons of delightful pink blossoms atop rich green foliage. It thrives in partly shady gardens or in damp sunny areas. Dense red stems of pink snapdragon-like flowers that resemble the heads of turtles appear in late summer and fall. New spring, deep green foliage is tinted with bronze. Prefers moist soil but is tolerant of dry conditions once established. The plant will grow in full sun to full shade. Hot Lips Turtle Head growing tips can be pinched in spring to reduce plant height.

Fun fact: Chelone rhymes with baloney.

Plant in sun, part shade, or full shade in soil amended with compost or other organic matter. In full shade, the plant may need staking. If a shorter, bushier plant is desired, pinch off the growing tips in spring to encourage branching.