A summer sensation, Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips' boasts hooded, snapdragon-like, two-lipped flowers. The lipstick-pink blooms have pink corollas and a yellow 'beard' on the lower lip. Held on upright square, red stems, the blooms are said to look like an open-mouthed turtle's head, hence the common name. Flowering on red stems from July to September, they are sure to delight children and adults alike, as well as attracting passing butterflies. Originating from wet woodland areas in the US, according to Greek mythology, Chelone was a nymph who was punished for insulting the gods, by being turned into a turtle. Hardy to -15 C, Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips' prefers to be grown in moist soil in a partially shaded position, where it will reach a height of 60-90cm, spreading 45-60cm. An herbaceous perennial which will die back in winter, becoming dormant, until it shoots again in the spring.
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