shellflower
Chelone obliqua var. speciosa
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 9
Flowers:
Rose to lavender Flowers
Sun:
part shade,filtered shade
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
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.
sunlight
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.
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.
