Chelone hybrid Tiny Tortuga™ ('Armtipp2') - Turtlehead

The vibrant blooms of Chelone hybrid Tiny Tortuga™ attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its nectar-rich flowers are especially appealing to late-season pollinators, providing an important food source in late summer and fall. Additionally, its dense foliage can offer shelter for small insects and wildlife.

• Seasonality: Herbaceous perennial; dies back in winter and regrows in spring.
• Flowering Season: Late summer to early fall (August-October)

Moist woodland gardens

Shaded borders and rain gardens

Pollinator or native plant gardens

Compact perennial beds or small-space gardens

Great for late-season color in shaded or semi-shaded areas

The foliage is dark green, glossy, and deeply serrated, providing a lush backdrop to the colorful blooms. The leaves are lance-shaped and grow in opposite pairs along the stem, forming a dense, bushy mound that remains attractive throughout the growing season. The compact size of the foliage makes Tiny Tortuga™ ideal for small garden spaces or container planting.

Tiny Tortuga™ features dense spikes of deep pink to rose-colored flowers that resemble the head of a turtle, hence the common name "Turtlehead." The unique, snapdragon-like blooms appear in late summer, lasting through fall, adding a vibrant splash of color when many other perennials have finished blooming. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

• Planting Season: Best planted in early spring or fall to allow the roots to establish before the growing season or winter dormancy.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers rich, well-drained, consistently moist soil, though it can tolerate wet or boggy areas. Adding organic matter such as compost improves soil fertility and moisture retention.
• Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and room for mature spread.

Planting Instructions:

1. Prepare the soil by loosening it and adding organic matter.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
3. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
4. Backfill with soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly.
5. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning is minimal for Chelone hybrid Tiny Tortuga™. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage a tidy appearance and potential re-blooming. In late fall or early winter, cut back the plant to the ground as it enters dormancy. New growth will emerge in the spring.

Tiny Tortuga™ prefers consistently moist soil and thrives in wetter garden areas, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens, bogs, or areas with poor drainage. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogged conditions, as the plant prefers well-drained soil.

Thrives in full sun to partial shade. In areas with hot summers, Tiny Tortuga™ benefits from afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch and help retain soil moisture. It performs best in areas that receive 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

The unique, turtlehead-shaped blooms of Tiny Tortuga™ are excellent for use in cut flower arrangements. Harvest the flower spikes when they are fully open for maximum vase life. The foliage can also be used to add texture to floral displays.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to support healthy growth and abundant blooms. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can lead to lush foliage but fewer flowers. A second, light feeding after the first bloom can help encourage continued blooming through the fall.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds. Mulching is especially beneficial in areas prone to dry soil.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Tiny Tortuga™ is relatively pest-resistant and deer-resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardens. However, it can be prone to powdery mildew in overly humid conditions, so ensure good air circulation around the plant.
• Winter Care: No special winter care is required. The plant will die back to the ground in winter and regrow in spring. Mulching in colder regions can help protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

Pollination Type:  Self-pollinating

Pollinators Involved:

• Primarily bumblebees, which are strong enough to access the closed flower structure
  
• Other native bees and pollinators may also visit
  

Flower Form:

Unique turtlehead-shaped flowers require buzz pollination, a behavior common in bumblebees

• Seed Production:
  
• May produce viable seeds after pollination, but propagation is typically done by division for consistency
  
  

 Shade and Moisture-Loving Perennials:

• Hosta – Bold leaves contrast with Chelone’s upright stems and narrow foliage
  
• Astilbe – Feathered plumes complement Chelone’s solid flower form; both enjoy moist soil
  
• Ferns (e.g., Japanese Painted Fern, Ostrich Fern) – Add texture and height variation
  
• Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Colorful foliage provides visual contrast at the base
  
• Brunnera macrophylla – Heart-shaped silver-speckled leaves and spring flowers extend seasonal interest
  
• Tiarella (Foamflower) – Decorative foliage and soft white to pink flowers blend well
  
• Ligularia – Larger scale and dramatic foliage with yellow spikes offer a bold background
  
• Pulmonaria (Lungwort) – Low mounding shape and early flowers coordinate well in layered beds
  

Moisture-Tolerant Shrubs:

• Hydrangea arborescens or macrophylla – Works beautifully in the back of a border
  
• Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet) – Offers summer fragrance and white to pink blooms