Chelone 'Hot Lips'

Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips': Late Summer Colour with a Bold Smile

Bright, upright, and full of character, Chelone 'Hot Lips' brings a cheerful splash of deep rosy-pink to the garden when many other perennials are beginning to fade. Its distinctive, turtle-shaped flowers bloom in upright clusters atop sturdy, reddish stems from late summer into early fall. Glossy, dark green foliage adds a polished backdrop, and the plant’s naturally compact form makes it ideal for moist borders and shaded areas. Beloved by bumblebees and deer-resistant, this cultivar thrives in moisture-rich soil and adds excellent vertical interest late in the season.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming a bushy, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Deep rosy-pink
• Flowering Period: Late summer to early fall
• Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves; ovate with serrated edges
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full sun (with consistent moisture)
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil; tolerates clay and damp sites

Uses and Benefits: 'Hot Lips' is perfect for brightening up rain gardens, boggy borders, and woodland edges with its vivid colour and reliable late-season bloom. It thrives in conditions too damp for many perennials and provides a crucial nectar source for pollinators when little else is in flower. Its upright habit makes it a strong companion for ferns and fall bloomers, and its deer resistance adds to its appeal in naturalized plantings.

Companion Plants: Pair with the fluffy mauve plumes of Eupatorium dubium 'Baby Joe', the silvery-purple fronds of Athyrium 'Regal Red', and the tall spires of blue from Lobelia siphilitica for a bold, late-summer planting full of texture, height, and pollinator appeal.

Care Instructions: Plant in part shade with consistently moist soil. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in sunny sites. Cut back stems after flowering or in early spring to tidy the clump. Divide every 3–4 years in spring to refresh growth and maintain vigour.

History: A cultivated form of the North American native Chelone lyonii, 'Hot Lips' was selected for its vibrant flower colour, clean foliage, and compact, upright habit. It brings ornamental strength to a genus long valued for its ecological role in moist, shaded environments.

Final Thoughts: With its bright pink blooms and lush form, Chelone 'Hot Lips' adds a punch of colour and pollinator power to late-season plantings—proof that moisture-loving perennials can be both tough and beautiful.