shellflower
Chelone obliqua var. speciosa
Overview
Shellflower (Chelone obliqua var. speciosa) is an amazing plant. Its unique flowers resemble turtle shells and can be white, purple, or pink in color. The plant is tough and easy to grow, tolerating a wide range of soil types and a variety of conditions. Shellflower blooms in late summer and fall with flower spikes that draw in pollinators. The plant provides beautiful dimension to any garden, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Its evergreen leaves make a great backdrop throughout the year. It's a real showstopper, creating a dramatic landscape in zone 3-7. Shellflowers are a great pick for gardeners of all skill levels.
Care Guide
Watering
When watering, thoroughly moisten the soil until water begins to drip out the drainage holes of the pot. This should happen once or twice a week during the growing season and once every 2 to 3 weeks during the dormant season. Established plants may need watering even less often. Be sure that not to let the soil dry out entirely between waterings as it could stress the plant.
Light
Shellflower (Chelone obliqua var. speciosa) will do best in an area of partial shade; it should get about 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. During the peak summer months in warmer climates, it may benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent scorching.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 5-9.
Pruning
Shellflower (Chelone obliqua var. speciosa) should be pruned lightly each year in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Care should be taken to ensure that only dead, dying, and diseased branches are pruned, as well as any branches that are crossing and rubbing against each other. It is also recommended to remove 1/3 of the oldest stems each year to promote denser foliage and to encourage new growth. When pruning, it is best to avoid cutting too much vegetative growth at once, as this can shock the plant and affect its overall health.
Propagation
Division, Cutting, Seed Propagation, Layering Propagation
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