Chelone

Monday, March 14 | Cut Flower Profiles, Cut Flowers

Chelone is also called ‘turtlehead’ for the shape of its bloom.  The botanical name Chelone comes from a Greek myth about a nymph of the same name who was disrespectful at the wedding of Zeus and Hera.  As punishment, the nymph was turned into a tortoise and condemned to eternal silence (the tortoise was a Greek symbol of silence).  There are several species of Chelone that are native to North America.  The most common cutting variety, Chelone obliqua, is a favorite perennial among gardeners in our climate.  As with all cut flowers, make sure to recut the stems and change the flower’s water regularly.  Chelone is generally only available as a cut flower during the summer months.