NATURE ATTRACTION- Turtlehead produces impressive pink hooded, gaping flowers that resemble the head of a tortoise. Native to the mountains of south-eastern U.S., they grow as easily as Snapdragons but are hardy down to minus 30 F! The ‘Hot Lip’ variety is the most vibrant colored, floriferous, and has the most attractive foliage. They are deer resistant and a favorite of butterflies.
KEY TIPS – Pinching the stems back in late May will reduce their height but enhance their flowering from shorter branches. Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between watering. Deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season.
SHELF LIFE – Plant in garden immediately after the night temperatures stay above 45 degrees.
PLANT Preparation- Cut away any yellow or brown leaves or broken stems that may have occurred.  This grooming is completely normal and will take place as the plant grows.
POTTED PLANTS – Rather than the garden you may re-pot into containers. Repot the plants into at least 12 inch pots separately or together inside one larger container.
SOIL PREPARATION – If your soil is clayish amend it with a standard garden soil for adequate drainage and moisture retentiveness.
GARDEN PREPARATION – Pick a filtered sun location that can be easily viewed for the flower’s beauty. Borders, perimeters, and walkways are a great location.
PLANTING DEPTH and SPACING - Plant separately spacing about 15-20 inches. Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and about 5-6 inches deep. Place them in their holes and pack soil firmly around plant.
PLANT HEIGHT and WIDTH – They will grow about 24-36 inches tall and 15-20 inches wide.
SPROUTING TIME – Next season they will come back up in late May or early June. It takes a little longer if the temperatures are still cool.
WATER - Water thoroughly upon planting and continue once or twice a week.
FERTILIZER – This helps maintain flower size and count from year to year. For best results, use Roberta’s Flower Magic Plant Food (M7503) twice a month all summer long.
LIGHTING –Partial sun or light shade is preferred.
BLOOMING – These plants will bloom late summer through late autumn yearly. TEMPERATURE ZONE 4 to 9- These are hardy down to a minus 30 degrees below 0 when planted into the ground. In containers they withstand about 0 F.
WINTER DORMANCY – After the first heavy frost, cut all shoots back to about 3 inches above the soil. Plants rest from November - May.
PROPAGATING- These plants will re-bloom and spread every year. They can be subdivided in early spring after 2-3 years.
CUT FLOWERS – They are best enjoyed on the plant.
STAKING – The flower stems need no staking.
GROOMING – Pinching the stems back in late May will reduce their height but enhance their flowering from shorter branches. Deadheading is not necessary to extend season. Deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season.